A consistent entry-level curriculum across shops and schools will enable a smoother transition to the workforce, bolstering both onboarding and retention efforts
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—I-CAR has announced that its new I-CAR Academy Program is now available to collision repair facilities after launching for schools earlier this year. The I-CAR Academy program is an entry-level collision repair curriculum, and the first industry-neutral early career program to educate and recognize new technicians and the schools and repair centers that train these new industry entrants.
I-CAR Academy was specifically designed to kickstart a technician’s education journey when they start their career in a collision repair shop. The program provides a solid foundation for the I-CAR Professional Level curriculum and ultimately Platinum Technician recognition, as well as a solid base for OEM and supplier training.
I-CAR Academy’s launch in shops marks the first time a consistent entry-level curriculum is available to both schools and repair facilities, enabling a smoother transition to the workforce. The program for shops differs from the school version by offering additional training and best practices for shop leadership on creating a differentiated culture and delivering effective mentoring, which is key to technician development, progression and retention.
The curriculum provides collision repair fundamentals such as safety and tool skills, and foundational knowledge for shop roles including estimator/repair planning, non-structural repairs, structural repairs, and refinishing, and includes resources addressing critical cultural areas such as selecting and training a mentor, mentorship guides, and tools to create an employment brand for use in recruitment.
Five learning areas are available now:
• Collision Repair Fundamentals
• Disassembly and Reassembly
• Plastic Repair; Aluminum and Steel Small Dent Removal
• Preparation for Refinishing.
A badging system recognizes progress and offers the industry a consistent language with which technicians can communicate and demonstrate their readiness to begin performing real work in each skill area.
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