Jan. 26, 2015—A new two-year program offered at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) in Fayetteville, N.C., is now underway, aiming at creating a curriculum that will provide young technicians the tools needed to function in the changing landscape of the collision repair industry.
The program was created in collaboration with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), the state government, private industry, and various education professionals.
Students enrolled in the program will participate in classes for five semesters, according to a report from Property Casualty. The course load offers I-CAR platinum training designations, welding certifications, and equipment-specific training with industry partners. Students will also be trained in cosmetic repairs, estimating, body shop operations, and automotive computer technologies.
Paul Gage, a training consultant with 22 years of experience in the industry, will serve as the program director for the inaugural class, and because new classes begin every eight weeks, the rolling enrollment creates a series of potential hires on a regular basis for employers looking to hire new graduates.