The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

I-CAR Announces the I-CAR Professional Development Program to the Inter-Industry


PHOTO

July 21, 2010

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, introduced the I-CAR® Professional Development Program™ to the inter-industry today. The performance-focused training program offers the best in collision repair training for today’s professional.

“This is an important time in the industry”

Commenting on the I-CAR Professional Development Program, Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations said, “The Program is focused on training that develops the knowledge and competencies required to perform successfully in specific roles in the repair and claims handling process.”

The I-CAR Professional Development Program recognizes the following roles: Estimator, Steel Structural Technician, Aluminum Structural Technician, Non-Structural Technician, Electrical/Mechanical Technician, Refinish Technician, and Auto Physical Damage Appraiser.

Knowledge is structured into three I-CAR® ProLevels™ and each level builds upon the previous knowledge and experience of the individual. As an individual achieves each I-CAR ProLevel in their role, they will be recognized for having reached an important training benchmark. Completion of all three levels within a role is acknowledged with the industry-recognized I-CAR Platinum Individual® designation. For a collision repair business to achieve the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals® business recognition, four “role representatives” must be designated in the following roles: Refinish Technician, Steel Structural Technician, Non-Structural Technician, and Estimator. I-CAR has developed a four year transition timeline to fully integrate its new recognition program structure.

John Edelen, I-CAR President and CEO, stressed the significance of the I-CAR Professional Development Program and the value it will have on the inter-industry.

“The I-CAR Professional Development Program is an organized training experience with clear direction. It is focused on the knowledge that is required to be successful in specific industry roles and supports progression over the course of careers by building on prior levels of experience,” he said.

“These changes have been shaped by the ongoing involvement of the inter-industry and are grounded in what they have told I-CAR it needs to do to deliver on its Vision - that every person in the collision industry, current and future, has the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve a complete and safe repair.”

"This is an important time in the industry," explained Tom Moreland, Strategic Sales Manager for AkzoNobel and Chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors. “I-CAR has designed a program that will align everyone in the repair and claims process for success. The I-CAR Professional Development Program will enable inter-industry stakeholders to map and plan the development of current and future personnel through job-specific development levels and allow industry professionals to have role-specific training that they can progress in.”

For more information on the I-CAR Professional Development Program, visit the I-CAR website at www.i-car.com.