Training is the key to collision repair success, especially with material changes and new OEM recommended repair procedures being introduced at an unprecedented rate, according to Chief. To stay current, Chief University, the training arm of leading collision repair equipment manufacturer Chief, has devoted significant time and resources to improve and update its curriculum for 2016.
To make collision repair training as accessible as possible, Chief University will offer more than 60 updated training classes this year for technicians, estimators and insurance appraisers across North America.
“Due to the whirlwind changes in vehicle design, technology and materials, we have found that training is the most asked for aspect of collision repair in shops around the world,” said Ken Boylan, global training manager. “Before price and delivery, customers want to know all about how their technicians can be trained. Updating the curriculum at Chief University is a continuous process, and we’ve really concentrated on improving the hands-on training that collision repair technicians and insurance professionals need to keep up with the vehicle structural and material changes taking place so rapidly.”
Chief University’s newest course, Aluminum Damage Analysis and Repair Technology, covers aluminum forming methods and metal characteristics, as well as damage analysis, repair decisions and techniques for working with aluminum. Chief University’s Design Based Repair course features instruction on the proper metal identification and subsequent repair methods required due to the advanced high-strength steels and structural aluminum introduced by the manufacturers. Both courses have been updated to cover the advanced metals and construction methods currently used by OEMs, so trainees can be prepared for any vehicle that may come to their shops.
Significant upgrades have been made to Chief University’s Computerized Measuring Training class to make it more user-friendly for technicians. In this class, technicians learn how to properly use Chief’s LaserLock laser-mapping and Vector computerized measuring systems to identify structural misalignment and maximize both repair quality and profitability.
Chief training has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for compliance with the Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) Standards. Most Chief University classes are approved for I-CAR credit hours through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance program.
For a complete schedule and to register, visit chiefautomotive.com/Chief-University.
To learn more, visit chiefautomotive.com, contact a Chief distributor or call 800-445-9262.
