March 5, 2012—The West Virginia Department of Education and Division of Career and Technical Education will integrate the I-CAR Professional Development Program-Education Edition into the curriculum of all 22 secondary and vocational schools in West Virginia, I-CAR recently announced.

I-CAR said West Virginia’s initiative marks the first time its training will be used at a statewide level within a school system’s curriculum. West Virginia is also the first public adopter of the I-CAR Professional Development Program-Education Edition.

The I-CAR Professional Development Program-Education Edition delivers comprehensive, performance-focused training with three successive training levels, according to I-CAR. Students that receive the training will benefit from a role-relevant education that directly aligns with I-CAR’s industry-recognized training program, and a solid foundation to work from as they begin their collision industry careers.

I-CAR said West Virginia’s goal is to produce non-structural technicians and refinish technicians who have completed the first training level by the 2012-2013 school year.

“Our vision is to grow a highly skilled and quality driven workforce that leads the way for a better tomorrow. The business and education segment must work together to make sure the curriculum being taught in our career technical centers satisfies industry needs,” said Kathy D’Antoni, West Virginia’s assistant state superintendent of schools.

“I’m pleased to see that the West Virginia Department of Education/Division of Career and Technical Education shares the I-CAR vision and recognizes the importance of education within the collision repair industry,” said Bill Stage, senior director of segment development for I-CAR. “Without proper training, we run the risk of improperly repairing vehicles, which can impact the driver’s safety. By utilizing the program, schools will produce entry-level technicians with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to work productively while achieving complete and safe repairs.”