PAINTSVILLE, Ky. – Big Sandy Community and Technical College’s (BSCTC) collision repair program has earned the prestigious I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) certification.
Dewayne Kinner, instructor of the collision repair program, said the ICAR certification is an industry standard and validates the skills of students.
“Our program is about equipping students with the skills necessary to be successful once they graduate,” said Kinner. Thanks to a grant by the Collision Repair Foundation, students pursuing ICAR’s silver, gold and platinum certifications will have their testing fees waived in 2017.
“This is a huge benefit for our students,” said Kinner. “We are hoping to find funding each year to help offset the cost of testing for the certifications.”
Founded in 1979, I-CAR is an international, not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.
I-CAR has adopted a concept called “Outward Vision,” which is driven by the need to define the “Ideal State” of the Collision Industry relative to technical training. Ideal State is defined as every person in the Collision Industry has the necessary technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to ensure a complete and safe repair. I-CAR continues to develop and deliver technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the Collision Industry. Furthermore, I-CAR provides a communication forum for anyone interested in proper collision repair.
“Programs like collision repair present an opportunity to teach a trade while also teaching how to become an entrepreneur,” said Kelli Hall, dean of career education and workforce development. “[Dewayne] is doing a wonderful job in doing both. Our instructors understand that we are not only training the workforce of tomorrow, but also future small business owners.”
For more information on our Collision Repair program, contact Kinner at (606) 788-2871 or email dkinner0001@kctcs.edu.