The Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists Association (CCRS) donated $7,500 to three Connecticut technical high schools to enhance their I-CAR training and education programs.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.“CCRS is absolutely committed to education and training” says Lisa Siembab, CCRS Executive Director. In fact, most of our member shops in CCRS are I-CAR Gold Class facilities. We realize that many of the students that are graduating from the local technical high schools may be placed quicker if their resume’s reflect actual ICAR credits. The employer would then have much more confidence in a new employee’s ability to repair the vehicle the right way. “CCRS is focused on being a change agent in the collision repair industry in Connecticut and, based on the changing needs of the industry – we must make sure that today’s students are receiving training that is up-to-date, relevant, and accessible.”
The recipient schools, Platt Technical High School, Abbott Technical High School and Kaynor Technical High School each received $2500 that will be used specifically for I-CAR training.
Dan Thibault, Transportation Technology intern for Connecticut technical high schools said: “We are grateful for the generous support of CCRS. They have truly stepped up and provided an opportunity to enhance our current curriculum with true industry training. Our job is to prepare students for post-secondary education, including apprenticeships, and immediate productive employment. It is crucial that we respond to employers current workforce needs and expectations through business and school partnerships – and CCRS is just that, a true partner.”
In keeping with the focus of industry training, the keynote speaker for the banquet was I-CAR’s Northeast Regional Manager, Allen Smith. Smith discussed a recent pilot study showing the direct impact of training on shop profits. Acknowledging that many aspects of shop operation contribute to Key Performance Indicators, ICAR maintains that knowledge and education form the “foundation for excellence”, by increasing operational efficiencies, reducing repair times and minimizing repair mistakes.
For more information visit www.ctcrs.com.
