Londonderry Collision: Driving confidence with I-CAR Gold Class
Londonderry Collision has been Gold Class recognized by I-CAR Canada since 2017. Achieving I-CAR Gold Class recognition is no easy task—it requires a Platinum-certified technician in each of the four core collision roles, with each technician completing six hours of I-CAR Canada training annually to maintain their Platinum status.
Len Charchuk, from Londonderry Collision, 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.
What motivated you to pursue Gold Class certification for your business?
Pursuing Gold Class certification was driven by a commitment to staying informed about industry advancements. Previously, the Alberta Apprenticeship system offered Journeyman Updating, but I sought a reliable alternative when that ended. I-CAR Canada stood out as the best option for learning about emerging technologies and repair processes, ensuring the business remained ahead of industry changes and maintained high standards.
What are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
The biggest challenges in today’s industry are the rapid advancements in vehicle technology and ensuring proper recognition of the processes required to repair them correctly. As vehicles become more complex, staying updated on the latest innovations and repair standards is essential. These challenges highlight the importance of continuous training and collaboration to meet industry demands and maintain high-quality, safe repairs.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
Prioritizing standardized training has been critical in addressing industry challenges by providing a clear framework for accessing and sharing essential information. It helps the team with the knowledge needed to stay current with evolving repair processes and ensures everyone has the resources to perform repairs correctly and confidently.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
The most important aspect of continuous collision training is ensuring proper repairs, prioritizing safety, maintaining industry standards, and enhancing customer confidence in the quality of the work performed.
How has being Gold Class certified benefitted your business and employees?
Gold Class certification has benefitted both the business and our employees. For the business, it has made us a confident choice for customers where they can expect safe and proper repairs. For employees, it has provided valuable knowledge, keeping them informed about the latest technologies and repair techniques, ultimately empowering them to perform at their best.
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.