As vehicle technology continues to evolve, ongoing training is essential for safe, quality collision repairs. In this I-CAR Canada Gold Class spotlight, Neil Wilkinson of Darv’s CSN Collision shares why continuous learning, standardized training, and Gold Class recognition remain central to supporting technicians, customers, and long-term business success.
What motivated you to pursue Gold Class recognition for your business?
I have always believed in continuous learning. Achieving Gold Class recognition has helped set us apart from the competition. Even the most experienced journeypersons benefit from ongoing training. As vehicle technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is essential that we keep learning to stay current and deliver the highest quality repairs.
Currently, what are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
Keeping up with evolving vehicle technology and repair procedures is one of the biggest challenges our industry faces. Anyone who believes a journeyperson certificate earned in 1991 is still sufficient without ongoing training is mistaken. Vehicles are not repaired the same way they were decades ago. Continuous training is essential to stay current, perform safe and proper repairs, and meet today’s industry standards.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
I-CAR Canada training has provided us with a strong foundation for understanding the complex systems found in today’s vehicles. That knowledge allows us to correctly interpret and apply original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures. Both are essential. Without the right training and a thorough understanding of OEM requirements, it is difficult to ensure vehicles are being repaired safely and properly.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
Welding training has become one of the most important areas of training in our industry. My technicians always return having learned, or relearned, something valuable that helps them become stronger collision repair professionals.
How has being Gold Class recognized benefitted your business and employees?
Achieving I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition has been important because it reflects our commitment to giving our employees the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Investing in equipment, such as a resistance spot welder, is important, but having trained technicians who know how to use that equipment correctly is even more important.
Gold Class recognition also demonstrates to insurance partners and our customers that we are committed to repairing vehicles the right way. As an owner, it gives me confidence that every vehicle leaving our shop has been repaired safely, properly, and in accordance with industry and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.
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.