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as Edison CTE with an unforeseen benefit as well.

“Upon receiving this grant, industry support came along with it,” Roopnarine explained. “Training opportunities, internships and additional supplies were provided, which helped us develop great working relationships with members of the industry. Their involvement constantly strengthens the program.

“The support received from the foundation has also played a critical role in our success as a SkillsUSA chapter,” Roopnarine added. “The donations have helped prepare our students for the various competitions, including a Gold Medal at the 2013 SkillsUSA National Refinishing Competition. It has also allowed top placement at multiple state conferences. Without the support of the grant and prior donations, this would have added additional challenges to overcome.”

Collision repair shops consistently complain that the industry needs more skilled technicians entering the field, while collision schools are in desperate need of more equipment, supplies and internship opportunities, according to Roopnarine.

“The solution is literally staring us in the face!” Roopnarine said. “We need to get the shops and the schools together! When the industry works with the schools, it helps prepare students for those positions that are waiting to be filled. Yes, there is a technician shortage, but together, we can fill that gap.” Roopnarine works with local shops to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities for his students, but he’s always in need of more industry supporters to help ensure students are prepared to enter a shop with the skillset needed to safely repair vehicles after graduation.

“We have been fortunate to work with some of the top body shops around, including Mid Island Collision and High Velocity Autobody,” he said. “These facilities have welcomed our students in for mentoring and job shadowing and have allowed students to form a connection between classroom and industry.”

Many of those shops also participate on Thomas Edison CTE’s advisory board. The school’s “advisory board consists of industry professionals who critique our program and make suggestions for improvements. Students can job shadow, and they work internships at these shops which serves as a valuable resource on its own,” Roopnarine said.

Being a recipient of the foundation’s 2014 Makeover Grant also provided additional networking opportunities for Roopnarine.

“Getting involved with the foundation not only allowed me to form great partnerships with industry members but also with instructors from across the country, through a Facebook group where we can share ideas, ask for help and communicate with others,” he said. Roopnarine lauds the foundation’s efforts to support collision schools and students. “I never thought Thomas Edison CTE would win the foundation’s 2014 grant, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity given to my program by all those involved in the decision to award our school the grant,” he said. “The Collision Repair Education Foundation only has a small staff, but they show personalized attention to the instructors they work with. The people behind the scenes are as amazing as the foundation’s mission.

“The lasting impact of winning this grant has been creating a gateway between the industry and the classroom,” Roopnarine added. “The media coverage we received for winning the 2014 Makeover Grant helped promote the vocational trades, and it also promoted the importance of industry support. It has set a momentum for the program that has kept going strong to this day!” Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting CREF’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, managing director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon. Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

For information on how to donate to programs supported by CREF, visit www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Source: CREF

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