In today’s competitive automotive repair industry, staying current with the latest standards and technologies is crucial. Coache Collision Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia, earned their first I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition in 2018, a milestone that underscored their dedication to excellence.
This achievement was accomplished by having a Platinum-recognized technician in each of the four core required collision roles and by having each of these technicians complete six hours of I-CAR Canada training on an annual basis to maintain their Platinum recognition.
Coache Collision Ltd.
Brad Green of Coache Collision Ltd. dives into the importance of continuous training and how it is key in ensuring their team can perform repairs that meet the highest safety and quality standards.
What motivated you to pursue Gold Class recognition for your business?
The gold class recognition was a critical component to several original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certifications such as Volkswagen and Audi. We are one of a handful of Audi structural approved facilities in Canada and extremely proud of the level of repairs and abilities of our team.
Currently, what are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
The biggest challenge is certainly the emerging technologies. Continuous learning is mandatory to keep up with the sophisticated and complex technologies that modern vehicles have nowadays. The vast changes and variables can complicate the process from one vehicle to another.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
Training and exposure to ongoing technology and advancement is the only way to be sure we are completing our repairs with OEM approved operations and with safety as our top priority.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
The commitment and dedication required to complete the courses and training and the adaptability and openness to new considerations and operations.
How has being Gold Class certified benefitted your business and employees?
Gold class recognition is invaluable in achieving and retaining the high expectations required for several OEM certifications. Our teams take great pride in knowing we are at the forefront of continuous learning and will not become apathetic in our commitment to provide safe and properly completed repairs.
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 $37.8 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.