By Darryl Simmons
Do you have what it takes to take on the vehicles of the future?
“WITH THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK, YOU WILL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO DECIDE WHETHER YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO EMBARK ON THE ADVENTURE-OF-A-LIFETIME—A CAREER IN THE EVER-CHANGING WORLD OF COLLISION REPAIRING. IF YOU DO, DON’T LET LIFE PASS YOU BY! ENROLL IN ONE OF THE MANY WORLD-CLASS COURSES PROFILED IN THIS BOOK—AND SHIFT YOUR FUTURE INTO OVERDRIVE!”
By Allison Rogers For most, school is a daily ritual in the early years of our lives. Six hours in
THE DAYS OF COMING TO SCHOOL OR WORK WHEN YOU’RE A LITTLE BIT SICK—BUT TOO STUBBORN TO STAY HOME—ARE GONE.
By Kelly Roberts Handling high volumes of business can be a bit like lifting heavyweights. A significant amount of volume
By Chuck Olson Those collision businesses that develop an effective diagnostic scan process will see the benefits almost immediately. A
By Stefano Liessi Training should never end; not for anyone, in any profession. The term training is a household word;
By Howard Berg ADAS stands for advanced driver assistance systems. It refers to any electronic system that assists the driver
With the complexity of today’s vehicles, it takes a highly skilled technician with advanced tools to perform repairs. Today’s vehicles
The automotive aftermarket industry is undergoing rapid changes as customer expectations evolve and vehicles become more technologically advanced. This acceleration
Having the Red Seal qualification allows qualified tradespeople to practice in any province or territory in Canada without having to take any further examinations.
Discover how requirements vary from Coast to Coast
When it comes to colour matching, there are several methods you can employ to meet your perfect match. Colour matching
One of Canada’s biggest assets in repair technician training is the Auto Body and Collision Technician apprenticeship program with its
Photo-based estimating involves taking pictures of a damaged vehicle and submitting them for a virtual repair quote. The consensus on
By Allison Rogers For decades, key members of the collision industry have developed solutions to shared industry challenges at industry
I-CAR has had to take on an all-new approach to delivering its training courses amid the pandemic. On March 15,
By Gideon Scanlon If you are looking to start a career in the collision repair sector, you might want to
“IF WE LOOK AT A TWO-HOUR BOOTH CYCLE AS THE DRUMBEAT OF THE SHOP, WE SHOULD AIM TO SEE VEHICLES
As the industry sits sandwiched between a technician shortage and an unprecedented pandemic, understanding how to attract top talent to
As automakers work to achieve lighter cars with increased acceleration, better braking and handling, more and more metals are being
By Sophie Price “WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER, WE’RE THINKING ABOUT IMPLEMENTING 24-HOUR DROP-OFF SERVICE. THE CUSTOMER COULD DROP OFF
“IN 2020, I WOULD ABSOLUTELY SAY WE’D BE MORE INCLINED TO WORK WITH A FACILITY WITH PHOTO-ESTIMATION PROCEDURES IN PLACE.”
Today’s business and technical training requirements can be a complex maze to navigate. Color Compass University facilitates and provides a variety of training options to
The pandemic may have put a cap on in-person training sessions, but SATA Canada has made the best of this unprecedented situation by taking its
With more than 50 years of experience, CSN 427 Auto Collision has deep roots in the collision repair industry. Since day one, this family-run business
The pandemic may have put a temporary damper on in-person training in the industry, but BETAG Innovation says its online training platform is capable of
The presence of Aluminum in vehicles continues to exist so it is still critically important for repair facilities to know the procedures that go along with it. Aluminum requires unique attention and adds complexity to the workflow of a repair facility. Everything from panel repair to damage assessment courses are covered in this section.
To be an apprentice a candidate must find an employer who is able to take them on as an apprentice and then make sure to register with their local apprenticeship or trades authority. Apprenticeship combines paid, work-based training (roughly 80 percent) with technical training in a classroom or shop (roughly 20 percent). The trades known nationally as autobody and collision technician, automotive refinishing technician and automotive service technician are all Red Seal trades. The Red Seal program allows qualified trades persons to practice in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated. Funding, programs and federal tax incentives are all available for employers so they can hire and train apprentices. Information about occupational standards and financial support for apprentices and businesses is available at red-seal.ca and canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices.html. This section lists organizations across Canada that offer apprenticeship training for auto body technician, automotive refinishing and automotive service trades.
In Canada Auto Body Technician, Automotive Refinish Technician are designated skilled trades and are regulated by provincial apprenticeship legislation. Apprenticeship training is a combination of paid, work-based training as well as short periods of technical training in a classroom or shop. To apprentice a candidate must find an employer who is willing to take them on as an apprentice and then register with their local apprenticeship or trades authority. Particularly, in the automotive trades, pre-apprenticeship training is offered by many colleges. These programs (often called core or foundation programs) make it easier for a candidate to find an employer willing to take them on as well as sometimes can count as a portion of the required apprenticeship training. Automotive service technicians provide repair and service to vehicle systems, including the engine, electrical/electronics, transmission, driveline, steering, suspension and brakes. Collision repair technicians restore damage to the exterior and the interior of motor vehicles. Automotive refinishing technicians paint and refinish automobiles either for collision restoration or custom paint jobs. This section lists organizations across Canada that offer core or foundation programs (pre-apprenticeship training) in the autobody, auto refinish and automotive service sectors.
Direct repair programs are programs offered by many companies and organizations and allow training directly at shop level online or at a designated training centre. This type of training is often also with a certification or I-Car accreditation and involves training about a company’s specific tools, equipment and service. These programs are run by knowledgeable instructors who often have many years of experience in the industry. This allows for training in a real world environment taking a more hands-on approach for a full understanding of a company’s equipment. This experience allows one to build confidence and experience that is often needed to stay ahead of the game diagnosing and repairing makes of automobiles. The following companies offer a wide variety of convenient, cost effective ways of training automotive professionals. Training programs are offered for almost every make and model of vehicle. All classes are 100% technical and delivered by experienced certified training specialists.
TO WORK IN CANADA YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE BOTH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (WHMIS) EDUCATION AND WORKSITE-SPECIFIC TRAINING. WHMIS is taught by a wide range of providers and includes information about things such as the meaning of information on labels and safety data sheets (SDSes, formerly MSDSes). Once this is complete, workers can get workplace specific training which allows them to learn how to work safely with hazardous products at a worksite. This training teaches employees to answer questions such as “how do you work safely with this hazardous product?” or “How do you deal with an unexpected exposure or spill?”. For information regarding WHMIS visit WHMIS.org. You can also see the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at ccohs.ca for more general information. Automotive-specific safety training is often found through local associations. It is important to remain up-to-date on safety measures as new technologies often bring new hazards to a workplace. This section lists some industry-specific, safety-related courses available from I-CAR
To work in Canada you are required to have both hazardous materials (WHIMIS) education and worksite-specific training. WHMIS is taught by a wide range of providers and includes information about things such as the meaning of information on labels and safety data sheets (SDSes, formerly MSDSes). Once this is complete, workers can get workplace specific training which allows them to learn how to work safely with hazardous products at a worksite. This training teaches employees to answer questions such as “how do you work safely with this hazardous product?” or “How do you deal with an unexpected exposure or spill?”. For information regarding WHMIS visit WHMIS.org. You can also see the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at ccohs.ca for more general information. Automotive-specific safety training is often found through local associations. It is important to remain up-to-date on safety measures as new technologies often bring new hazards to a workplace. This section lists some industry-specific, safety-related courses available from I-CAR
Technology develops rapidly which means the automotive recycling industry has to keep up with vehicles that are becoming more and more complex. The success of the professional recycler comes down to training to increase safety, efficiency and profitability as the industry expands. The training that is currently being offered covers a wide variety of programs and procedures, to governmental requirements, safety, sales, management, plant management and more. The benefits of the training include staying ahead of the game with environmental and regulatory compliance, industry skill, management, careers, and employee development. Many of the courses are offered online, thus allowing participants to train at their own pace.
Non-structural repair covers a vast variety of topics and encompasses many of the leading-edge technologies employed in modern vehicles. Driver-assist systems and telematics are areas that are constantly changing and that require technicians to continually update their knowledge. The assumption is that advancements in automotive technology will collect around the connected, autonomous, shaped, electric platform (CASE). The ‘Labour Market Watch’ report, published by the Automotive Industries Association, confirms that the automotive repair workforce is aging and much of the experience is pointed toward seasoned professionals. Listed in this section are a variety of courses that can help seasoned professionals and younger employees cope with new vehicle technologies.
The main areas for structural repair are computerized measuring systems, frame analysis and frame repair. Given the preponderance of high-strength steels and ultra-high-strength steels, identification of these advanced materials and knowledge of proper repair procedures is one concern. The efficient use of computerized measuring can maximize repair quality and profitability. In structural courses, you are provided with the opportunity to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to ensure you have a competitive and leading edge in the field. Both online and hands-on courses related to structural repair are available.
As new materials make their way into vehicles it becomes imperative for technicians to update their knowledge of proper repair procedures. Spot welding, for example, is emerging as an essential technique for some vehicles. In addition to knowing how to use newer welding equipment, technicians may want to expand their knowledge of weld theory, metallurgy and testing. This section lists college-level welding programs, apprenticeship training and shorter, industry-led training opportunities related to welding. See also: the Aluminum section for courses specific to aluminum repair, including welding of aluminum, and the Structural section.
As the autobody and collision repair industry becomes more complex with new materials, technologies, techniques and environmentally friendly products and equipment it is important to stay up-to-date. Safe operating conditions and quality of appearance are both important things that body and paint technicians have to pay close attention to. Courses in the paint and refinish sector range from product training to improving paint centre productivity to colour theory. Refresher training as well as training to learn new techniques is available to collision centre operations and can improve efficiency as well as increase experience levels. Courses available to Canadians, from the industry’s major suppliers, are listed below.
By restoring a vehicle to its pre-accident condition and helping ensure its safety as designed by the manufacturer you are benefitting both your business and your customers. Nowadays it is not enough to simply know how to physically replace components you need to understand how they all work together. Pursing manufacturer-specific training can help you to meet the complex needs of repairing modern vehicles. Some vehicle manufacturers embed training requirements within the framework of a collision repair certification program, and then provide training only to certified facilities. More broadly-available, brand specific courses are listed below.
In 2020, an OEM certification represents more than a commendation vouching for a shop’s reputation – it shows that their technicians are the most-qualified to make any repair with the latest technology in the industry. Only with OEM certification can it be guaranteed that a shop knows exactly how a manufacturer intended for their product to be repaired.
Read more to learn the requirements to become OEM certified by the top manufacturers in Canada!
Amid the pandemic, Car-Part has been running free webinars on a variety of topics for recyclers to access. Some recent offerings include the New Employee Training webinar, which dives into features of Checkmate Sales Pro; a Photomate webinar to cover the advanced functions of the platform, such as how to add images to your inventory online, reviewing parts in resolution and assigning interchange, moving parts and auditing parts locations; as well as an eBay basics webinar featuring tips and tricks from Car-Part representative Theresa Colbert as well as a Partmate basics webinar that is catered toward advanced users of the program. All webinars are available via Car-Part.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/carpartcom.
When you purchase a Pro Spot product, you can be rest-assured that the training received will come straight from factory-trained Pro Spot personnel. Throughout the pandemic, the company has continued to offer its support services to ensure technicians and other bodyshop personnel always have access to Pro Spot training personnel. The company also supports training via I-CAR Canada to keep technicians and the rest of the industry up-to-date with the latest training available.
The Fix Network Training Centres are the first of their kind in Canada’s automotive aftermarket services industry offering auto body, mechanical and auto glass professionals state-of-art, fully operational collision, mechanical and auto glass space to upgrade their skills. The training centres boast the most modern equipment available in all three trades as well as separate classrooms to accommodate up to 20 trainees. The newly constructed Training Centres are located in Milton, Ontario and Blainville, Quebec to serve franchisees for all four Fix Network brands: Speedy Auto Service, NOVUS Glass, ProColor Collision and Fix Auto. An additional training centre is set to open in Calgary, Alberta in early 2021.
The CARSTAR franchise consists of a community of independently owned and operated shops.Offering training and other support through the CARSTAR U learning institute, CARSTAR has many systems in place to help get your location open as well as to keep it open and profitable. With teams to support marketing, operations, insurance and fleet, CARSTAR provides a community of support for independent shop owners.
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