Collision Training Expo

of training for managers, owners, estimators and technicians, with trainers from leading industry names like CCC, Wesco, ATI, Elitek, 3M and LDC Equipment teaching everything from performing calibrations on ADAS features and writing estimates to measuring and welding on a variety of materials used in modern vehicles.

Micah Strom, collision chair for the NWACA and a body shop owner, said show organizers got a lot of excellent feedback, which will be used to make next year’s second annual CTE even better.

“Just like the first time with anything, there will be things we’ll learn from,” Strom said. “But we had an instructor from a tech school in Bellingham, WA, and he said he will tell everyone they need to attend next year.”

Strom said show organizers are already trying to think of a way to offer a hands-on painting class in 2024.

“We want to provide a training event for the whole shop,” Strom said. “We prefer hands-on training, not just a classroom setting, because technicians learn better that way.”

Strom thanked everyone who

He is now finishing the installation of solar roof panels, which will further reduce his electricity use. By working with his accountant and the state of California, he expects to receive a 30% rebate on his investment.

But the sanding dust was the last straw. He immediately began researching solutions and found made the first CTE a success, including NWACA office staff, CTE committee members, vendors and sponsors.

Strom said the NWACA has hosted a training expo for mechanical shops for 20 years and felt it was time to offer the same to its collision shop members.

“We started the CTE for our members and for the industry in general, to get some good training out there,” Strom said. “There’s not a lot [of collision training] here in the Northwest, and that’s why we put this together.”

The success of the inaugural event concreted the vision of CTE and the need for a training event like it.

Anyone interested in participating in the 2024 CTE as an attendee, trainer or sponsor can contact Brenda Wolslegel at 253-653-2334 or by email at brenda@nwautocare. org.

Source: NWACA

“I’m not a painter or a technician, but I understand the importance of creating a clean, hospitable workplace that helps improve team members’ work experience,” said Co. “And, I understand the bottom line—making improvements that keep our facility cleaner, brighter and efficient also drive cost-savings and profitability for our business.”

Visit Maaco.com for more information.

Source: Maaco

A grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2024 in Nashville, TN, valued at $3,000 courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, along with additional prizes valued at $6,000 from TechForce partners AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Snapon Industrial and WD-40 Company.

For more information, and to nominate a tech, visit techforce.org/our-work/techsrock-awards/

Source: TechForce Foundation