I-CAR announced it now offers the industry-recognized Welding Training & Certification program as a curriculum option for career and technical schools. By offering the I-CAR steel and aluminum welding courses, I-CAR-approved and licensed educators can deliver the courses in an academic setting. Students that successfully complete an I-CAR welding course, in addition to the Professional Development Program – Education Edition (PDP-EE), will graduate with the critical skills employers are seeking.
The Welding Training & Certification for educators is based on the same training curriculum that I-CAR offers to the collision repair industry. Students that successfully pass the skills portion of the curriculum will earn I-CAR’s professional welding certificate that is valid for five years. Taught in conjunction with the PDP-EE, approved educators are authorized to deliver the I-CAR Welding Training & Certification program in their career and technical schools.
“The Welding Training & Certification for educators creates a more robust collision repair training program for schools,” said Bill Stage, I-CAR senior director of segment development. “It enables career and technical schools to fuel the industry with highly-qualified, entry-level nonstructural technicians. Today, 64 percent of professional technicians have not completed I-CAR’s steel welding training. The educator program will contribute to getting every technician that welds properly trained, something the industry desperately needs.”
The Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing program at Fox Valley Technical College is the first of its kind to expand the program to include the I-CAR Welding Training & Certification program. Launched in the spring of the 2015/2016 academic year, the college offers both the steel and aluminum welding options. To date, 75 percent of the students enrolled in the collision repair program are also now enrolled in welding.
“Fox Valley is proudly teaching the I-CAR Professional Development Program – Education Edition curriculum,” said Jerry Goodson, collision repair and refinishing instructor, Fox Valley Technical College. “With the addition of the welding program, students at Fox Valley wishing to pursue a career in collision repair will benefit from a more complete program, geared toward development in sought-after skills, including welding of both structural and nonstructural vehicle components. Students graduating with the I-CAR welding certificate will further increase their credentials, leading to more opportunities with potential employers.”
Career and technical schools that wish to become approved to deliver the I-CAR Welding Training & Certification program for educators can apply on the I-CAR website or call (888) 422-7211. Program information will also be available at SEMA 2015 at I-CAR booth no. 10873.
