CARSTAR Launches CARSTAR Academy to Empower the Next Generation of Collision Repair Professionals

CARSTAR, Canada’s premier network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities, is thrilled to launch CARSTAR Academy, a program designed to inspire and empower the next generation of skilled auto body professionals. 

 CARSTAR Academy is dedicated to fostering a new wave of talent by offering unique opportunities and experiences that bridge the gap between education and real-world application. The program is based on five four pillars which include:  

1. Participating in career fairs to raise industry awareness 
2. Keeping students enrolled in their autobody programs through scholarships 
3. Partnering with key vendors to award free tooling gifts to scholarship students 
4. Supporting on-the-job training through apprenticeships 
5. Getting students excited for their careers through an interactive “CARSTAR Day”

Our greatest asset—the people who perform the repairs

“At CARSTAR, we believe that our greatest asset is not just the cars we repair, but the people who perform the repairs,” said Collin Welsh, Senior Director, CARSTAR Canada. “By investing in the next generation of professionals, we are creating a sustainable future for the auto repair industry and ensuring its continued success for years to come.” 

 CARSTAR officially launched its CARSTAR Academy this month and hosted its first “CARSTAR Day” in partnership with Centennial College. During this dynamic event, industry experts from the CARSTAR team visited Centennial for the day and offered in-depth training on the repair process and then hands-on ADAS training in partnership with Collision 360 to over 50 Centennial students. Students gained valuable, real-world exposure to the latest tools, techniques, and cutting-edge repair processes used in the collision repair industry. CARSTAR also raffled off a signed Toronto Raptors jersey to a lucky Centennial student participating in CARSTAR Day.  

 “I am glad to see that CARSTAR is thinking and developing a program for future technicians with their Academy and Scholarships,” said Darryl Roberts, Auto Body Coordinator & Professor, Centennial College. “CARSTAR and Collision 360’s presentation had hands-on activity for all students engaged in the learning and what is expected in their future careers.”   

 Special thanks to Anthony Iaboni from Collision 360, the Ontario operations team including Area Managers of Operations Cody Haubrich and Stephen Mohanathasan for their support in the program build-out. For more information, visit www.CARSTAR.ca.