Toronto, Ontario — PPG announced Tuesday that the global coatings company has donated its PPG LINQ™ digital automotive refinish ecosystem to 15 vocational schools across more than 10 countries over the past 15 months. This initiative is part of PPG’s US$2 million commitment through 2025, aimed at addressing the skills shortage and attracting young talent to the automotive refinish industry.
Among the recipients is Integrovaná střední škola automobilní in Brno, Czechia, which is now equipped with cutting-edge digital tools that will enhance students’ practical learning experiences. This donation allows more than 1,500 students to gain hands-on experience with modern automotive refinishing technology.
Jérôme Zamblera, PPG vice president for EMEA Automotive Refinish, emphasized the importance of innovation in education, stating, “The PPG LINQ ecosystem represents our vision for modernizing the car refinishing industry and inspiring young talent.” He added that the initiative reflects PPG’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills necessary for the evolving automotive sector.
The PPG LINQ ecosystem is designed to connect, automate and digitize the automotive refinish process, providing tools such as the PPG MOONWALK® paint mixing system, PPG DIGIMATCH™ multi-angle colour camera, and PPG VISUALIZID™ 3D rendering software. These innovations are crucial in addressing challenges highlighted in the European Commission’s report on vocational education and training, including limited access to modern equipment and funding constraints.
Daniel Krarup Jørgensen, automotive education manager at College360 in Denmark, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it offers students a unique opportunity to work with leading-edge technology.
“This will motivate more young people to choose a career in automotive refinishing,” he stated, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in mitigating the shortage of qualified professionals in the auto refinish and collision repair industry.
PPG’s broader community engagement efforts, supported by the PPG Foundation, aim to invest in educational opportunities that foster the next generation of skilled professionals. In 2023 alone, PPG invested over $17.5 million to support various organizations worldwide, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing future STEM innovators.
For more information about the PPG LINQ system and its impact, visit PPG LINQ.
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