I-CAR has expanded its I-CAR Academy program to include collision repair facilities. Previously available only to educational institutions, the I-CAR Academy now provides a comprehensive entry-level curriculum designed to support both new technicians and the shops that employ them.
This new phase of the program introduces a consistent, industry-neutral curriculum tailored to the specific needs of collision repair shops. The curriculum includes fundamental topics such as safety, tool skills and various repair techniques, along with additional training for shop leadership to foster effective mentoring and a positive workplace culture.
"As our industry continues navigating through the talent crisis, I-CAR Academy offers an industry-wide solution at the most critical time in a technician's career: the beginning," said I-CAR President and CEO John Van Alstyne. "Our industry is in dire need of technicians. For some the right starting point is a school, while others excel beginning their career in a shop. Regardless of where a technician enters the industry, they can count on I-CAR Academy to give them a solid and relevant foundation from which to build their future."
The I-CAR Academy's curriculum features five learning areas: collision repair fundamentals, disassembly and reassembly, plastic repair, aluminum and steel small dent removal, and preparation for refinishing. It includes a badging system to track progress and help technicians demonstrate their readiness for real-world tasks. The program also addresses mentorship and recruitment, aiming to enhance technician retention and productivity.
"We expect that the collision repair facilities that implement I-CAR Academy will experience a range of benefits, including producing confident new technicians who possess a solid foundation in collision repair fundamentals, allowing them to contribute meaningfully from day one," said Dara Goroff, I-CAR vice president of planning and industry talent programming. "Research has shown that disengagement in the early onboarding and training process, and lack of clarity about career path leads to significant turnover. I-CAR Academy is accessible, easy to implement in a shop, and will reduce onboarding time, resulting in increased productivity, longer employee retention, and a high level of employee satisfaction."
The introduction of I-CAR Academy to shops is part of a broader initiative by I-CAR to tackle the industry's talent challenges. The program will be available for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Collision repair leaders interested in implementing I-CAR Academy at their facilities can find more information at www.i-car.com/academyshops.
