I-CAR introduced its Professional Development Program to the inter-industry July 21. The performance-focused training program offers the best in collision repair training for today's professional.

"The program is focused on training that develops the knowledge and competencies required to perform successfully in specific roles in the repair and claims handling process," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR director of field operations.

The I-CAR Professional Development Program recognizes the following roles: Estimator, Steel Structural Technician, Aluminum Structural Technician, Non-Structural Technician, Electrical/Mechanical Technician, Refinish Technician, and Auto Physical Damage Appraiser. Knowledge is structured into three I-CAR ProLevels and each level builds upon the previous knowledge and experience of the individual. As an individual achieves each I-CAR ProLevel in their role, they will be recognized for having reached an important training benchmark. Completion of all three levels within a role is acknowledged with the industry-recognized I-CAR Platinum Individual designation. For a collision repair business to achieve the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals business recognition, four "role representatives" must be designated in the following roles: Refinish Technician, Steel Structural Technician, Non-Structural Technician, and Estimator. I-CAR has developed a four year transition timeline to fully integrate its new recognition program structure.

"The I-CAR Professional Development Program is an organized training experience with clear direction," said John Edelen, I-CAR president and CEO. "It is focused on the knowledge that is required to be successful in specific industry roles and supports progression over the course of careers by building on prior levels of experience.

"These changes have been shaped by the ongoing involvement of the inter-industry and are grounded in what they 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."

"This is an important time in the industry," said Tom Moreland, strategic sales manager for AkzoNobel and chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors. “I-CAR has designed a program that will align everyone in the repair and claims process for success. The I-CAR Professional Development Program will enable inter-industry stakeholders to map and plan the development of current and future personnel through job-specific development levels and allow industry professionals to have role-specific training that they can progress in."

For more information on the I-CAR Professional Development Program, visit the I-CAR website at www.i-car.com.