The April issue of Collision Management is now available online. You can flip through it here, but first, a few words from the Editor-in-Chief of Collision Management, Huw Evans.

Investing for the Future

Taking steps now can ensure we’re able to reap greater benefits down the road.

Hitting home

That’s why I feel our cover story for this issue really hits home. Fix Automotive Network sees the future and is taking steps to cultivate today so the rewards can be reaped tomorrow. Its state-of-the-art training facility in Milton, Ont. has been conceived as an incubator for developing the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry talent, whether it’s collision repair, mechanical or glass. It’s designed to give green apprentices the chance to actually develop repair and paint skills, with the ultimate goal of becoming highly proficient labour market ready professionals. Two additional centres will be opened, one in Quebec and another in Western Canada next year. Collectively, they could be a real game-changer for the industry.

Retaining apprentices is something we specifically take a look at in this issue as, traditionally, it can often be very difficult for shops to actively train them, especially if their seasoned technicians are constantly under pressure to get repairs completed. Besides new shop processes and structures, another way that can change the situation is via technology. Today, repair equipment is allowing body techs to save time while delivering higher quality and far greater accuracy. And with the emphasis on vehicle safety and brand awareness so prominent, as an industry, we simply can’t afford to cut corners.

Treading carefully

Yet I also feel we need to tread carefully. The complexity of modern vehicles means that specific repair procedures outlined by OEMs have become the rule, not the exception, yet providing technicians with the information they need to do the correct repairs is still a challenge. In order for the industry to thrive, there needs to be a collective responsibility on all sides from government, to networks, to individual shops, insurers, vendors and OEMs.

On a final note, regarding the Fix Auto Lacombe story on page 10 of our February 2019 issue, Lacombe is located North, not South of Red Deer. We do apologize for the error.

Click here to read the April 2019 issue of Collision Management