Training has always been a priority for Pinnacle Collision Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the business earned I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition in the centre’s first year. Ivan Voloshanovskiy, collision centre manager, sees continuous collision training as a way to ensure professional repair standards build client trust and stay ahead of industry changes. Throughout this conversation with Ivan, he emphasized the importance of ongoing training, how it helps his team navigate the challenges of modern vehicle technology, and why safety remains at the core of their work.
What motivated you to pursue Gold Class recognition for your business?
There were several factors that motivated us to pursue the I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition. The three most significant reasons are:
- To ensure our team operates at a professional level, adhering to industry best practices and proper repair procedures.
- To demonstrate to our clients that our facility is trained and certified to meet high standards of quality and safety.
- To remain current with ongoing advancements in the collision repair industry, including emerging technologies, vehicle safety systems, and evolving repair techniques.
Currently, what are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
Some of the most significant challenges we face today stem from rapid technological advancements and the growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs). The collision repair industry has always evolved over time, but recent developments have introduced a new level of complexity. From advanced driver assistance systems and modern safety features to the use of new, complex materials, staying current requires continuous adaptation. EVs, in particular, have fundamentally changed many aspects of the repair process, necessitating specialized training, tools, and procedures to ensure safe and effective repairs.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
Rather than waiting for a new vehicle to arrive for repairs and only then seeking guidance on the appropriate repair procedures, I-CAR Canada takes a proactive approach by regularly informing collision repair facilities of newly available training courses that address the latest industry developments. This forward-thinking support enables us to stay ahead of emerging challenges and ensures our team is properly trained in advance to handle evolving vehicle technologies and repair requirements.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
This is an easy question to answer: the most important aspect of ongoing collision repair training is and always will be the safety of our clients! While many individuals tend to focus primarily on the visual outcome and judge a collision repair facility based on cosmetic results, it’s crucial to recognize that appearance is only one part of the equation. What truly matters is that the vehicle has been repaired in strict accordance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and I-CAR Canada standards. This ensures that, in the event of a future collision, the vehicle will respond as designed—effectively absorbing impact and protecting its occupants by maintaining the structural integrity of the safety systems.
How has being Gold Class recognized benefited your business and employees?
The I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition has benefited us in numerous ways. It provides confidence and peace of mind, knowing that our staff is trained to meet the highest industry standards. In turn, it reassures our clients that their vehicles are in capable hands and will be repaired properly, in accordance with established safety and quality guidelines.
About I-CAR Canada
I-CAR is an international organization dedicated to providing the information required to perform complete, safe, and quality auto repairs.
I-CAR Canada is a training and recognition program run by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), a not-for-profit organization representing, supporting and leading innovation in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector.
Aimed at up-skilling tradespeople in the collision industry, I-CAR training has been available in Canada since 1979 and has been operated by AIA Canada since 2010.