2025 Ideas Collide: The Value of Hands-on Training

In this IDEAS Collide Showcase session, 3M's Shawn Collins makes the case for bringing hands-on training back to the center of technician development. He explains how 3M’s new, state-of-the-art training center is designed to do that.

With the industry facing an ongoing technician shortage, the presentation highlights why in-person, practical instruction delivers stronger skill retention than virtual learning alone. The session walks through foundational learning and the added value received through instructor feedback, peer networking, and exposure to tools and materials many technicians don’t get to use in their day-to-day shop environment.

The presentation includes examples of hands-on exercises focused on OEM-aligned repair practices on topics such as sectioning, squeeze-type resistance welding, MIG/MAG welding, corrosion protection, and aluminum repairs including rivet bonding.

This session was part of the IDEAS Collide Showcase, hosted by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and filmed live at the 2025 SEMA Show.