Auto makers are creating more sophisticated vehicles that require knowledge of the latest technologies used for state-of-the-art car repairs. A new two-year program from Fayetteville (N.C.) Technical Community College (FTCC) and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is a collaboration between state government, private industry and education to create a curriculum that will provide the knowledgeable technicians the collision industry requires.
Clark Plucinski, executive director for the CREF, says it's no less than "a true paradigm shift. We have worked at a collaborative level to address the entire collision industry's needs. This true industry partnership will assure that graduates of the program have a higher level of job readiness. FTCC's curriculum will shape the future of education in the collision space."
Support for the program came from a number of entities. The North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) facilitated the collaboration between FTCC and the repair industry, which allowed collision repair experts to provide substantial input during the curriculum's development. By asking the industry what they needed, the result was a program that "offers students guaranteed job readiness," explains NCBCE Executive Director Sue Breckenridge.
The program was also a high priority for the governor and his administration because of the career opportunities it will provide for North Carolina residents. "We hear about the skills gaps from employers and this is a true example of industry and education working together to develop the workforce our economy needs," says Breckenridge. "FTCC's graduates will not only find work in North Carolina, but are qualified for jobs anywhere in the United States."
"As an industry we are beginning to see a 'tsunami' of new vehicles, new technologies and new materials – like aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and advanced high-strength steels," said John Van Alstyne, CEO and president of I-CAR. "In a typical model year, OEMs launch 65 or more new or significantly re-engineered vehicles. In this era of rapid technology change, it is imperative that the collision repair industry embrace a robust and earnest learning culture, keeping pace through up-to-date and continuous training. The FTCC program, with the I-CAR Professional Development Program Education Edition as the foundation curriculum, represents an innovative model of what collision repair education could and should be."
Students will follow a five-semester curriculum that offers stackable credentials, including six I-CAR platinum training designations, three I-CAR welding certifications, and training covering Auto Service Excellence (ASE) B2 through B5 certifications, as well as equipment-specific training with various industry partners. Also included in the curriculum is training on non-structural cosmetic repair that addresses plastics, composites, steel and aluminum, as well as structural repairs involving steel and aluminum.
In addition, students will receive training in estimating, repair planning, body shop operations, lean processes (Six Sigma) and advanced automotive computer technologies. The final exam will span eight weeks and be conducted in an on-site production body shop under the auspices of collision repair specialists.
Response from the various industry partners has been extremely positive, particularly concerning the opportunities the course provides for veterans returning from the field.
"A solid foundation for any collision repair facility or insurance claims organization starts with the education of its employees. As a company that does business with many collision repair shops around the country it gives us confidence when the staff is I-CAR trained," said Pam Overton, Allstate claims vice president. "We are proud to be a part of this new opportunity for veterans who will serve the industry well with a solid base in the study of collision repair methods."
The inaugural class, comprising National Guard soldiers, recent high school graduates, professionals looking for a career change and a single mother, will graduate from the program in 2016. Since new classes begin every eight weeks, the rolling enrollment creates a series of job candidates on a regular basis for employers looking to hire the new graduates. Paul Gage, a training consultant with 22 years of experience in the industry, is preparing the students for their future careers.
Patrick Burnett, associate vice president of claims for Nationwide shared, "With the constant change in the collision repair industry, the future need for well-trained collision repair technicians, estimators, and insurance professionals has never been clearer. Nationwide commends FTCC on its commitment to the industry and veterans, as the school and initiatives take interested students that honorably served our country and prepare them with the skills and connections to return to the workforce. The school's concept and mission should serve as a template and catalyst for other industries, showing our collective appreciation for our veterans' unselfish service to our country while preparing technicians for rewarding careers."
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.