PPG Offers New Course to Prep Automotive Refinish Preppers - BodyShop Business

PPG Offers New Course to Prep Automotive Refinish Preppers

The two-day class is designed for entry-level assistant refinish technicians who have never received any formal PPG training and work alongside body and refinish technicians using PPG products and processes.

PPG has introduced a course to train technicians in the craft of refinish preparation. The course is intended to answer a critical industry need for knowledgeable and skilled assistant technicians. The two-day class, called “Refinish Preparation Specialist Training,” is designed for entry-level assistant refinish technicians who have never received any formal PPG training and work alongside body and refinish technicians using PPG products and processes.
The PPG Refinish Preparation Specialist Training class is appropriate for PPG entry-level refinish technicians in small- and high-production collision centers as well as fleet maintenance and repair shops. The “prepper course,” as it’s known, will be part of the regularly scheduled training curriculum available at each of PPG’s 16 Business Development Centers (BDCs) across North America.
“This is a class that our customers requested,” said Gregg Whitmer, PPG zone 3 training manager. “We’ve found that there are many instances in which technicians working in our customers’ refinish operations are not properly trained on how to prepare a vehicle for refinishing. If a car isn’t cleaned or sanded correctly, prep work may have to be redone; that negatively affects productivity, efficiency and profitability. This class directly addresses this concern.”
Working with PPG instructors, new technicians will develop their skills in substrate cleaning, sanding, masking, and bumper cover and plastic parts preparation. Participants are also taught the importance of keeping a clean and organized shop. Upon satisfactorily completing the class, graduates are certified in EPA 6H Area Source Rule requirements and receive a certificate of achievement.
“This class represents a key component of our commitment to training,” said Randy Cremeans, PPG director of training. “PPG has the most complete offering of training courses in the industry, ranging from entry level to advanced. By training assistant technicians properly at the beginning of their careers, we can help ensure that they’re on the right path for continued success in the collision repair industry.”
PPG has conducted pilot runs of the prepper course. Participating technicians have been overwhelmingly receptive. A recent class in Columbus, Ohio, led by Jessica Crowley, PPG instructor, yielded an enthusiastic email from Faye Benson of Gerber Collision and Glass in nearby Grove City: “Thank you so much for including me in this amazing learning opportunity. I truly had a blast, and everyone was so helpful. I learned a lot and am excited to learn more. Let everyone know how much I appreciate their help and spending the time with me so I could get it right.”
For more information about the PPG Refinish Preparation Specialist Training class and all other PPG classes including dates, locations and registration instructions, visit us.ppgrefinish.com/PPG-Refinish/training or call (800) 647-6050. Prepper classes are expected to fill quickly, and early registration is encouraged.

You May Also Like

OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations for 2021

When OSHA inspects workplaces around the country, it keeps data on violations found and tracks the most frequently cited standards. Here are the top violations in 2021.

When OSHA inspects workplaces around the country, it keeps data on violations found and tracks the most frequently cited standards.

To anyone who follows this list year to year, there typically aren’t any surprises. However, it’s a good reminder to take a look around your shop and make sure you’re doing what you can to keep employees safe.

Worker Death: What Went Wrong?

In March 2021, a 43-year-old worker at a vehicle aluminum parts manufacturer in Ohio was struck and killed by a machine’s barrier door. What went wrong?

I-CAR Expanding Technical Expertise, Capacity and Capabilities

I-CAR recently announced plans to significantly expand its technical expertise, capacity and capabilities amid an era of extraordinary change in vehicle technology.

How to Avoid a Fire at Your Auto Body Shop

Eight tips from GMG EnviroSafe to help you prevent fires in your auto repair facility.

CREF Helps Collision Student Clear Industry Hurdles

With the support of CREF, Destiny Potter is jumping every hurdle in her path – and gaining a lot of experience along the way.

Other Posts

PPG Launches AdjustRite Repair Management Tool

The AdjustRite tool is the latest feature of the PPG AdjustRite  commercial estimating system, which provides enhanced productivity for commercial vehicle repairs.

The Digital Transformation of Collision Repair

The strategic integration of digital tools and technologies in body shops is becoming the new refinish industry benchmark.

GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

PPG MoonWalk® system takes color mixing to the next level of precision

Bates Collision Catapults into Future with PPG MoonWalk

Jason Stahl talks with Randy Bates of Bates Collision about how PPG’s new MoonWalk system has radically improved his paint operation.