CREF and I-CAR updates snapshot of collision repair industry executive summary

Hoffman Estates, Ill.—The Collision Repair Education Foundation and I-CAR have collaborated to provide an updated executive summary of the Snapshot of the Collision Repair Industry survey, which is now available for download. The survey provides data on both the business environment and the technician workforce. Over 675 collision repair businesses responded to the survey, representing over 4,500 technicians. The survey provides unique insights on industry trends such as average age, incomes, entry-level worker task expectations, and more going back more than two decades.
“The research clearly shows the collision repair industry’s urgent need to build its skilled workforce development efforts,” said Jeanne Silver, from CARSTAR Mundelein who serves as chair of the Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees. “The Snapshot Survey of the Collision Industry results provides a detailed view of the challenges facing the collision industry’s workforce and clearly identifies the path, opportunities and solid financial rewards available to people seeking to train for a career in the industry. We urge the industry to help the Foundation deliver these solutions.”
“We are pleased to again work with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in conducting this important industry survey,” said John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President. “The survey verifies the critical need for well-trained collision repair technicians – both today and in the future – and it also confirms the outstanding professional and financial opportunities that are available in the industry. Today’s rapidly changing vehicle technologies and materials require technicians who have the training and ability to utilize information, knowledge and skills to repair damaged vehicles correctly. There has never been a better time to consider a rewarding career in the collision repair industry.” The updated Snapshot of the Collision Repair Industry survey is available for download from the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s web site or via I-CAR’s web site. This report of the survey results will be distributed to high school and college collision school programs across the country this fall, including an effort to distribute the information to school guidance counselors. Industry members with questions about the survey, or interest in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation, should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at (312) 231-0258