CCIF’s Collision Education-Industry Connection Program looks to train and support today’s youth for tomorrow’s collision repair industry.

During a special event at Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus in Scarborough, Ont., on Jan. 24, CCIF Chairman Patrice Marcil, addressed attendees on the importance of educating students about the industry as well as plans to provide the necessary support to help them achieve successful careers.

A major challenge at present is the lack of investment in both training programs and promoting the trades, with many schools having closed their technical shops while others haven’t had enough investment in tools and training to prepare students for real world environments.

Marcil discussed CE-IC’s multi-faceted approach to developing students which has included panel discussions, surveys and sponsorship.

The event, which also included a tour of the Ashtonbee Campus collision repair training facilities, served as a prelude for a special Career Day on Jan. 25, in which students were encouraged to attend and meet with collision industry professionals, providing a glimpse at the professionalism and broad scope of opportunities available.