I-CAR Gold Class with Parr Auto Body: A necessity in today’s collision sector
Parr Auto Body of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has been Gold Class recognized from I-CAR Canada since 2016. The I-CAR Gold Class recognition is no small feat—it is achieved 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.
Chelsea Stebner, from Parr Auto Body, emphasizes the importance of being Gold Class recognized, and why this recognition is imperative in today’s ever-changing landscape of Canada’s collision sector.
Parr Auto Body of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
What motivated you to pursue the Gold Class recognition for your business?
Our vision is impacting people through our world class collision repair. With that vision, we believe in building our technicians to be the best out there and equipped with the latest tooling and equipment, which is how we strive to be world class. We also believe we better be doing the right things each time we repair cars—and in all other parts of life—not the easy things, and that means continuous training.
Currently, what are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
From our perspective, the challenges in today’s industry are constantly changing technology and its ability to access it, especially with electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibrations. Another challenge we face is getting properly compensated for repairing vehicles according to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
Constantly taking training keeps our technicians sharp. Those smaller chunks of training are easier to absorb the information as well. For our technicians to have the opportunity to continuously learn about the latest information and emerging technologies, it ensures that we carry out safe, quality, and proper repairs.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
For the industry that we are in, training is a necessity. Every day, we are tasked with putting families back into vehicles that we have safely and correctly repaired. Considering vehicle engineering is constantly being upgraded, and new technologies are emerging each day, we must continue to learn, adapt, and ensure that we have the knowledge to safely and properly repair these vehicles.
How has being Gold Class recognized benefitted your business and employees?
Having Gold Class and Platinum recognitions is a selling feature for future employees. They see the opportunity to learn and build their skills as a bonus for their careers. For the insurance companies we deal with, being Gold Class is non-negotiable in our province. With customers, the trust that comes with knowing we are continually upgrading training again is non-negotiable. Going back to a customer putting their new baby in the vehicle, or their new driver, that is trust in our business that has been around since 1952.
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.