PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 24, 2013—I-CAR announced changes to its Platinum and Gold class recognition program Thursday at the Collision Industry Conference’s annual planning meeting.
Addressing the audience at Thursday’s morning session, I-CAR president John Van Alstyne said the changes are an effort to make the process simpler and more streamlined for collision repair facilities.
The I-CAR Professional Development Program will remain unchanged, but both the Platinum and Gold class recognition programs have been modified.
Major changes to the Platinum Individual Program include: Platinum recognition starting at I-CAR PRoLevel 1, and status is maintained through progression from Level 1 to Level 2 to Level 3, each year with a required six hours of credited training each year after the Level 3 status is achieved.
In the Gold program, the foundation is still based on Platinum Level 1 achievement of employees. IN his presentation, Van Alstyne said a facility needs four Platinum Level 1 professionals to earn this status. New modifications, including allowing employees 12-24 months to achieve the Platinum Level 1 status helps accommodate shop turnover, Van Alstyne said.
Also, it was announced that all fees have been eliminated for the Gold program.