Page 32 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2019

Tech talk
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PAINT&PANEL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
PROFIT FROM
K
THE GOLD RUSH
GOLD CLASS IS CURRENTLY THE HIGHEST ROLE-RELEVANT TRAINING ACCREDITATION RECOGNISED BY THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA I-CAR AUSTRALIA GOLD CLASS COORDINATOR GARY WOOD EXPLAINS HOW IT CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS.
EEPING PACE WITH MODERN
vehicle construction, elec- tronics, ADAS systems, ra- dar, lidar, cameras and sensors are essential in order to safely repair cars. It's not just repair techniques but tooling and equipment that is also evolv- ing fast to deal with the new systems and materials used on the latest model cars. Investing in new equipment is one thing, understanding how to maximise a return
on that investment is another.
If you don't invest in training your staff
to keep pace with change then your busi- ness' knowledge gap will continue to wid- en exponentially as rafts of new technolo- gies enter the market.
This is being recognised by many insur- ers and vehicle manufacturers who
have certified repairer networks.
ANY WHICH WAY
I-CAR’s delivery options include live classroom, hands on certifi- cations and online courses.
In September, I-CAR will launch a ful- ly online selection of short courses that can be accessed anywhere on a tablet or computer. The courses will be self paced and can be paused and resumed as re- quired. New courses will include topics such as vehicle calibration, ADAS sys- tems and diagnostics. The launch will also feature production management courses covering workflow, compliance and quality control. Once the decision to commit to the program has been taken, a personalised training plan is devel- oped. The requirement for a collision re- pair business to achieve the Gold Class is for staff directly involved in vehicle
repair to participate. This includes esti- mators, structural technicians, non- structural technicians and refinishers.
GOLD POINTERS
I-CAR offers points for the successful com- pletion of courses. The Platinum Individu- al accreditation is awarded for achieving ten I-CAR training points. To achieve Gold Class you must have a Platinum represent- ative from each of the four roles above. All other staff members in the training pro- gram must also achieve four points. I-CAR has training agreements in place with many leading paint and equipment sup-
as they can be relied on to provide valu- able advice in repair decisions. This can make them feel more valued and less likely to leave.
As training continues, efficiencies rise and risks reduce across the business as technicians have a greater understanding of their role. During the past 12 months, the number of businesses committing to the program has increased dramatically. There are currently 59 businesses on the Road To Gold, with this number now in- creasing on a weekly basis.
WHY THE SUDDEN INTEREST?
Insurers and OEMs are now recognising the benefits of having fully trained businesses within their certified networks. Holden re-
quires its repairers must be I-CAR Gold Class or committed to achiev- ing Gold Class within 12 months.
Audi, in conjunction with I- CAR, has a training program for its approved repair network. Each technician will receive Plat-
inum certification for completing the Audi Steel Certified Body Technician Program. Audi intends this will work to- wards its repair network becoming I- CAR Gold Class accredited. Further OEMs are looking at Gold Class as being the foundation to build their brand spe- cific technical training.
Major insurance companies are rec- ognised as Gold Class insurers. The log- ical next step in that process is to ex- pand that knowledge to their repair networks so that estimators and asses- sors are communicating with a similar knowledge and understanding of modern vehicles.
pliers as part of the Industry Training Alliance (ITA). Training completed with those partners can be recognised for the Platinum and Gold Class certifications.
As Gold Class is a commitment to on- going training, it is a 12 month certifica- tion. To renew, all staff members must achieve a further two points within the certification period.
BENEFITS
Investing in training provides staff with personal goals to achieve. Their involve- ment in business decisions will increase