Auto Body shops under Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Regina and Saskatoon become the first post-secondary shops in Canada to earn the I-CAR Gold Class certification.

As per the requirements of the certification, all staff members of an auto body shop need to go through I-CAR training, with multiple members earning Platinum status. The faculty members of Saskatchewan Polytechnic have been able to complete the stringent requirements of the nationwide collision repair industry training and recognition program successfully. Several industry certification programs require I-CAR Gold Class. From 2021, it will also be recognized as part of SGI’s accreditation requirements.

“This is a significant achievement,” says Andrew Shepherd, Executive Director of I-CAR Canada. “Canada has a world-leading apprenticeship system feeding the collision repair industry—and Saskatchewan Polytechnic has demonstrated its leadership in that elite group. “

The institution’s faculty are now adding I-CAR methods and training with its curriculum for Auto Body Technician program. Students pursuing Auto Body Technician certification and the Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint) apprenticeship programs will be on their path to achieving I-CAR certification after completing their programs. As explained by the institution, this will allow them to be employed in I-CAR recognized shops.

“This certification is a testament to the excellent Auto Body Technician program and our outstanding faculty at Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “The I-CAR Gold Class recognition is putting our students and apprentices ahead of the curve to continue training on SGI Salvage vehicles in an I-CAR Gold Class shop.”

Auto Body Technician certificate students and Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint) apprentices at the institute have been working with SGI Salvage total-loss vehicles since 2002 during the course of their studies. This provides them with the opportunity to repair current model vehicles that the industry comes across regularly, allowing them to step into the industry with relevant training.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic was recognized as a Certified Collision Care Provider (CCCP) in 2018. CCCP manages collision repair shop OEM certification programs for Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Nissan and Kia across Canada.