I-CAR seeks input for role-based training

As it continues to seek feedback from the collision repair inter-industry around the needs of training and the transition to a role-based curriculum model, I-CAR hosted a second roundtable discussion that attracted more than 90 industry professionals who offered their insights into the planned redesign of the collision repair training organization’s curriculum.

Roundtable attendees reviewed some of the details of the new curriculum model and offered comments about the overall structure, the roles that have been defined, the impact to recognition programs and the transition plan.

"We're at the end of the beginning of this important work," says Tom Moreland, strategic sales manager for AkzoNobel and chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors. "The project began three years ago when the board formed the Curriculum Rationalization Task Force. The redesigned structure is built upon feedback received over the past 24 months from the attendees of the two Round Table meetings, combined with the input of the I-CAR Industry Segment Advisory Councils and various inter-industry groups and associations."

Participants responded positively to the information that was introduced during the meeting and the direction that I-CAR has taken in the development of the role-based curriculum.

John Edelen, I-CAR president and CEO, said industry feedback is valuable because it allows I-CAR to identify key pieces in the decision-making process. Click on Edelen discusses roundtable’s importance to see a video on the subject.

“In December it was made clear the training experience needs to be focused, provide the knowledge that is required to be successful in specific industry roles, and should progress over the course of careers by building on prior levels of experience and knowledge over the course of an individual’s career,” he says. “The changes in the curriculum design that I-CAR will introduce to the inter-industry in July are grounded in what you have told I-CAR it needs to do to deliver on its vision that every person in the collision industry, current and future, has the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve a complete and safe repair.”

I-CAR plans to introduce its new curriculum model July 21 at the 2010 I-CAR Industry Conference at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. Click on I-CAR’s countdown to July 21 to see a video on the subject. More information about the conference is available at www.i-car.com/meetings.