Scott Benavidez, AMAM, owner of Mr. B’s Paint & Body in Albuquerque, NM, was experiencing what most body shops in the country have faced: a shortage of skilled labor. According to Zippia.com, the average age of a collision repair technician is 44, and more than 60% of the collision repair labor force is over 40. With his growing frustration, Benavidez called the local high school to find solutions.
He didn’t realize the local high school was also looking for him.
Scott Benavidez.
That phone call in 2022 for the ball got rolling on a new way to address the skilled labor shortage while tapping into the energy, ambition and talent of the students at Highland High School.
What has resulted is a unique collaboration of industry organizations and partnerships to address the skilled labor shortage, building on the strengths and resources of each organization. Today, the Automotive Service Association (ASA), I-CAR, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Automotive Management Institute (AMi), and the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) have joined forces to pilot a groundbreaking apprenticeship program aimed at high school students.
This initiative, started in Albuquerque, NM, and in partnership with Highland High School and the local Boys and Girls Club, is designed to teach collision repair skills to students from ninth to 12th grade, preparing them for immediate employment in the industry.
Once the idea for the apprenticeship program took shape, in October 2022, Benavidez approached I-CAR with a proposal to establish an after school program that would train young individuals for careers in collision repair. “We got in touch with students at the local Boys and Girls Club,” Benavidez explained. “Recognizing the potential to cultivate future workforce leaders, I-CAR eagerly joined the initiative.”
I-CAR’s Role
I-CAR’s involvement has been instrumental in the program’s success. Initially, I-CAR helped Highland High School identify the necessary facilities, tools and curriculum for launching a successful entry-level training program. It also donated the I-CAR Academy Curriculum, designed to equip new entrants to the collision repair industry with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. This curriculum includes technical and essential soft skills such as professionalism, confidence and effective communication.
“Supporting programs like this one not only prepares students for success but also strengthens the industry as a whole by nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce,” said Tom McFinch, senior manager of sales from I-CAR.
Since the ribbon-cutting ceremony in March, 24 enrolled students have completed 259 lessons, with several earning badges symbolizing their completion of key training milestones.
“Events like the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrate achievements and success stories, providing inspiration and motivation for the young individuals as they progress in their training,” McFinch added.
CCC’s Role
CCC’s involvement in the apprenticeship program began when Benavidez invited them to participate. CCC provided program participants access to the CCC ONE® Collision Estimating software and CCC® Repair Methods, its integrated OE repair procedures solution. CCC also offered necessary setup, training and ongoing support for the curriculum.
Dan Risley.
“Helping to prepare tomorrow’s collision repair workforce for a successful and satisfying career is something CCC is proud to support," said Dan Risley, vice president of ASG Market Solutions at CCC. "Our annual scholarship program helps deserving students pay for repair education programs they may otherwise not be able to afford, and our ongoing work to provide access to collision estimating and related software to hundreds of schools every year.”
ASA’s Vision and Community Impact
Benavidez’s vision for the apprenticeship program goes beyond technical skills. He emphasizes the importance of providing viable career paths for young individuals, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The program includes training in answering phones, writing emails and interviewing for jobs, ensuring students are well-rounded and ready to enter the workforce.
“We are blessed to have the community. The industry community coming together is phenomenal,” Benavidez said.
The collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club has been particularly impactful. Benavidez shared stories of students who have overcome significant challenges to participate in the program. One student, who traveled through four countries to reach the U.S. with his mother, exemplifies the determination and potential of the participants. “For these kids who need to support their families right away, this helps them do that,” he said.
The program’s pilot phase has already shown promise, with 13 students placed in collision repair and mechanical service shops this summer. The students work up to 20 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience while earning $15 per hour, with insurance covered by the City of Albuquerque’s Future Focus program.
“The shops just allow them to train, but they are not out any money. And they will benefit from the extra help, and hopefully, they will hire them after graduation,” Benavidez said.
AMi’s Role
AMi plays a critical role in training students on the management side of collision repair. Its involvement ensures students not only learn technical skills, but gain an understanding of front-end clerical work and management principles. By the time they graduate, these students can obtain an AMi management degree, positioning them to enter the workforce immediately and potentially bypassing the need for a traditional four-year college degree.
ARA’s Role
ARA has contributed significantly by donating used doors and other parts for the students to practice on. This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning tool names and developing practical skills. Benavidez recounted how taking apart and reassembling these parts has been fun and challenging for the students.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the program’s success, it has not been without challenges. Benavidez shared the struggles of securing resources and navigating bureaucratic roadblocks. However, the support from the collision industry community has been phenomenal. Events like the Boys and Girls Club Gala have showcased the program’s impact and garnered widespread support.
The program has also shown the importance of addressing individual learning needs. Benavidez spoke of students who learn differently, including those with autism, and how the program has adapted to support them. The program ensures all students can succeed by creating an inclusive learning environment.
“Our collision community will benefit from having a program like this. We will just make it better and better,” Benavidez said.
Stories of Success and Inspiration
The apprenticeship program is filled with inspiring stories of students who have found new hope and direction through this initiative. One student, despite facing significant academic challenges, has excelled in the hands-on environment of collision repair training. Benavidez shared how this student, who had previously been failing in school, has shown remarkable progress and dedication, making him one of the top candidates for employment after graduation.
Another student with autism struggled in traditional educational settings, but has thrived in the apprenticeship program. This student’s ability to work with his hands and attention to detail have been recognized and nurtured. "He’s learned more in the last five weeks than in the last four years, because he’s part of a community," Benavidez shared.
The Future of the Program
The pilot program in Albuquerque is just the beginning. The collaboration between ASA, I-CAR, CCC, AMi and ARA aims to expand this model to other regions. The goal is to create a scalable and replicable program to address the skilled labor shortage nationally. This initiative seeks to build a talent pipeline for the collision repair industry by providing young individuals with the necessary skills and opportunities.
Industry-Wide Benefits
The benefits of this apprenticeship program extend beyond the students. The collision repair shops that participate in the program gain access to motivated and trained young individuals who can contribute to their operations. This influx of new talent helps alleviate the staffing challenges many shops face and ensures a steady stream of skilled professionals entering the industry.
Furthermore, the program fosters community and collaboration within the industry. The collective effort of these organizations demonstrates the power of working together towards a common goal. This unity addresses immediate workforce needs and sets a precedent for future initiatives to strengthen the industry.
A Call to Action
As the apprenticeship program continues to grow, there is a need for more industry stakeholders to get involved. Collision repair shops, educational institutions and community organizations are encouraged to support and participate in similar initiatives. By doing so, they can contribute to developing a skilled and capable workforce that will drive the industry forward.
Additional information about the program or getting involved can be found at i-car.com/academyshops. The continued success of this initiative depends on the collective efforts of the collision repair community.
Leona Scott