At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 4, 3M and Axalta announced their collaboration to launch a new series of training modules focused on automotive coating refinishing.

This series will include five training modules, each designed to help technicians and body shops improve their understanding of repair practices and achieve better results. The brand-neutral, accessible video educational content produced by 3M and Axalta sets a new benchmark for knowledge sharing in the industry.

The first three training modules in the series, focused on optimizing productivity, efficiency, and repair process quality, will be available worldwide on December 2, 2024, and can be accessed through 3M and Axalta academy platforms. This content will also be available on 3M and Axalta’s social media channels. Additional training modules focusing on safety and sustainability will be available in 2025.

In a rapidly evolving sector facing a critical shortage of skilled labour, 3M and Axalta recognized the need to collaborate to continue supporting repair process training and skill development for collision repair technicians. Building on the core competencies and synergies of two companies with extensive expertise in science, automotive repair processes, and training solutions, the collaboratively developed training content aims to teach industry best practices through clear, informative steps that are easy for shops to implement.

Investment in training

“At 3M, we view training as an invaluable tool, a true investment in business health,” said Dave Gunderson, President of 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, during a press conference. “We are committed to being a training resource for the industry to improve shop productivity, efficiency, and quality. This new series of training modules, developed with Axalta, is a testament to this commitment.”

“We are proud to collaborate with our long-standing partner, 3M, on this initiative,” said Troy Weaver, President of Axalta Global Coating Systems. “This effort sets a new standard for knowledge sharing in the industry, ensuring everyone benefits from best practices to improve operational efficiency and safety. Our commitment to workforce skill development is strengthened through strategic partnerships and shared access to training resources. Together, we’re not only building a better future for our companies but for the entire industry.”

During the press conference in Las Vegas, specialized journalists were shown one of the training videos. The content is indeed easy to grasp, and as the organizers indicated, it aims to provide practical advice to increase operational efficiency. For example, marking out an area in front of the paint booth with the same dimensions allows technicians to see all the parts that can fit inside before starting a paint cycle.