State Farm, I-CAR Partner on Welding Initiative

Jan. 6, 2014

Jan. 6, 2014—State Farm announced Friday that it is teaming with I-CAR to provide a welding and training certification program in 2014.

The program will be based on I-CAR’s current offering of three welding training and certification courses: aluminum GMA (MIG) welding, steel GMA (MIG) welding, and steel sectioning.

“We believe welding proficiency benefits State Farm policyholders by providing quality repairs to policyholder vehicles,” said State Farm property and casualty claims director Russ Hoffbauer. “While participating in the I-CAR welding certification is not mandatory for Select Service repairers, we anticipate that repairers will be eager to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Partaking in the program gives shops a chance to be assessed on equipment and infrastructure before receiving personal instruction.

Program highlights are listed below:

  • Simplified registration and scheduling process.
  • A separate per-event fee for a standardized pre-event shop welding capability and readiness assessment.
  • Rebranding from qualification to certification.
  • Full certification required every five years due to rapidly changing technologies.

Select Service repairers are eligible to participate in the program by registering directly online. Visit the I-CAR website for more information on the classes. 

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