The I-CAR Academy program is an entry-level collision repair curriculum designed to educate and recognize new technicians and the schools and repair centers that train them. The program is designed to provide a solid foundation for the I-CAR Professional Level curriculum and Platinum Technician recognition, as well as for OEM and supplier training. With the introduction of the I-CAR Academy in shops, both schools and repair shops will have a consistent entry-level curriculum for the first time, enabling a smoother transition into the workforce. The program for shops includes additional training and best practices for shop leadership to create a differentiated culture and provide effective mentorship, which is critical to technician development, advancement and retention.
“As our industry continues to battle through the talent crisis, the I-CAR Academy provides an industry-wide solution to the most critical time in a technician’s career: the beginning,” said John Van Alstyne, President and CEO of I-CAR. “Our industry is in desperate need of technicians. For some, school is the right place to start, while others begin their careers in a shop. Regardless of where a technician enters the industry, they can count on the I-CAR Academy to provide them with a solid and relevant foundation for their future.”
The curriculum covers collision repair fundamentals such as safety and tool knowledge, as well as essential skills for shop roles including estimating/repair planning, non-structural repairs, structural repairs and repainting. It also provides resources on critical cultural areas such as selecting and training a mentor, mentoring guides and tools for creating an employer brand for recruiting.
There are currently five learning areas available: Collision Repair Basics, Disassembly and Reassembly, Plastic Repair, Small Dent Removal in Aluminum and Steel, and Preparation for Repainting. A badge system recognizes progress and provides the industry with a consistent language for technicians to communicate and demonstrate their readiness to begin actual work in each skill area.
The I-CAR Academy caters to the diverse learning styles of new technicians and offers a modern, engaging learning experience that combines interactive online modules, hands-on skills training and game-based learning. Interactive online modules deliver essential knowledge in a consumable format, enabling flexible learning, while linked hands-on training refines practical repair skills through real-world exercises that reinforce understanding.
“We expect collision repair shops that adopt the I-CAR Academy to experience a number of benefits, including training confident new technicians who have a solid foundation in collision repair and are able to make a meaningful contribution from day one,” said Dara Goroff, vice president of planning and industry talent programming at I-CAR. “Research has shown that a lack of engagement in the early onboarding and training process, as well as a lack of clarity about career path, leads to significant turnover. The I-CAR Academy is accessible, easy to implement in a shop, and reduces training time, resulting in increased productivity, longer employee retention, and high levels of employee satisfaction.”
“We expect that investments in collision repair facilities that are committed to training and developing the next generation of technicians will pay off at their sites. They will benefit by helping to create a more productive, stable and engaged workforce, which in turn will enhance the public image of our industry,” said Van Alstyne.
Since launching its talent attraction, development and retention initiative, I-CAR has made continuous progress in the interest of the industry. The organization has introduced Collision Careers, an industry-focused talent attraction platform, and has now implemented I-CAR Academy programs for workshops and schools in time for the 2024-2025 academic year.
