REPORT ON COLLEGES: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Come from Jamaica, And Feel All Right

Okanagan College program helps Caribbean students earn Canadian credentials and supplies B.C. employers with much-needed staff MOIRA DANN Special to The Globe and Mail November 10, 2008 VICTORIA -- When Bernie Gooding, regional manager of Craftsman Collision in Victoria, first met the two students from Okanagan College who were to do their practicum in his auto body shop, he was curious.

"I had to ask them, 'Are you guys okay?' I think the temperature that morning was about 9 or 8," he says with a laugh, remembering their recent meeting. "They came into the office ... and they were both wrapped up - a winter parka, a scarf, a hat." Mr. Gooding was in shirtsleeves.

Student Anthony Spencer laughs, too: "The first thing we learn in Jamaica is that Canada is cold."

Mr. Spencer and Noel Mohalland, both from Jamaica, are part of an innovative program developed by Okanagan College in Kelowna, B.C. The two men, both in their late 40s, are taking part in work-study programs designed to attract foreign students to help meet skilled labour shortages in British Columbia.

Okanagan is partnered in the initiative with industry training organizations and governments, here and in Jamaica.

Aiming for certification

The eight-month program Mr. Spencer and Mr. Mohalland are in will prepare them for the exams that will give them Red Seal Certification as journey tradespeople in Canada. Both worked in auto body repair in Jamaica, but say the training here will take their skills "to another level."

The students do eight weeks of classroom time at Okanagan College, a 16-week paid practicum with employers across the province, and then another eight weeks in the class before taking the exam. The government of Jamaica helps with tuition as needed. Right now, there are about 70 Jamaican students in varying stages of the program.

The program currently encompasses auto collision repair work and culinary arts, two sectors starved for skilled labour. There are plans to expand the program to other trades with a need for skilled workers, such as carpentry. Workplace demands can change in a volatile economy, so labour needs are frequently reassessed.

Beyond the borders

Despite the "guessing game" that is labour market forecasting in today's economy, Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton believes the province may well have to

continue to look outside Canada's borders for skilled labour in some sectors, even if there is a downturn.

Mr. Hamilton says what started for Okanagan as an international student recruitment initiative directed at the Caribbean has become something much more: An effective dovetailing of education and regional economic development.

While naturally concerned about the economy, Mr. Hamilton doesn't foresee catastrophe if it "cycles down," nor does he predict negative effects on this program and others at Okanagan College, the second-largest trades training institution in the province after the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Mr. Hamilton says enrolment could even increase during an economic downturn, as students who interrupted their studies to take a job during boom times return to complete their schooling, or people decide to retrain for new skills.

Cost to taxpayer?

Mr. Hamilton says one question that comes up about Okanagan's foreign students program is the issue of Canadian taxpayers paying to train people who might then return to their homeland.

"It's not our intention to do that in this program; we're working on a cost-recovery basis," he says.

"The fact that we're able to bring in students from other countries and charge them a higher tuition rate - and it is substantially higher than what we charge domestic students - allows us to open up additional opportunities for our domestic students," Mr. Hamilton says.

Though the international program is unique, tuition for the foreign students is $5,000 for 16 weeks of instruction, while domestic trades students and apprentices pay about $1,500 for the same time frame of instruction.

"I think the Caribbean students have been a huge addition to our community at the college," Mr. Hamilton adds. There are about 115 students from the Caribbean on campus this fall, while two years ago there were "almost none."

This year, the college has seen a 24-per-cent increase over last year in the international student population.

"We've had overwhelmingly positive support from our community for this initiative both in terms of the employers who are providing opportunities for students to work and ... the community itself," Mr. Hamilton says.

Potential immigrants

While B.C.'s shortage of skilled workers is partly eased by the foreign students during the practical part of their training, the hope of employers is that many will elect to stay here.

(courtesy Okanagan College)

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INDUSTRY SEGMENT ADVISORY COUNCILS HELP I-CAR ® BENEFIT
THE INTER-INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - December 23, 2008 - Last spring, I-CAR formed Industry Segment Advisory Councils (ISACs) to provide I-CAR with feedback and involvement from all segments of the industry beginning with the collision repair and insurance segments. Since that time, the councils have provided feedback that led to the successful launch at NACE of the Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) training program. Through December, over 2500 students will have taken this new training program detailing the latest information on the collision repair techniques necessary to repair hybrid electric, propane, compressed natural gas, plug-in electric and hydrogen vehicles.

The councils have also been integral in the development of I-CAR cycle time reduction and waterborne training programs that were piloted during December. They are also assisting with the ongoing development of online training management tools that will assist organizations in understanding and tracking training needs for their employees.

Rose Grenell of ABRA Auto Body and Glass, a volunteer on the Collision Repair ISAC said, "I believe the advisory council has made significant strides in two major areas - future class development and identifying the need for better training management systems and establishing key reporting components. Both are key to my role with ABRA and I am honored to give voice to 1100+ ABRA employees for whom I coordinate I-CAR training for each year."

"I-CAR has really brought together a diverse group of people that have the same goals in mind," said Mike DeVoss of State Farm Insurance and a member of the Insurance ISAC. "Everyone really went into this with realistic expectations. So far what we've accomplished will be useful to everyone who trains with I-CAR."

"The work of the volunteers on the Industry Segment Advisory Councils has broken new ground for I-CAR and ultimately benefits all who take I-CAR training," said Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing. "The councils have been integrated into the training development process and have provided I-CAR with important feedback about the inter-industry's training needs that improves both the value of I-CAR training to participants and the time needed to develop the programs."

-More-

Paul Blaski of Sterling Autobody Centers said, "Through the work of the ISACs, we are already seeing product development moving faster and working more in tune and in alignment with the needs of the industry."

Brett Bailey of A&B CARSTAR added, "One of the strongest changes I've seen is the open lines of communication between those in the collision repair and insurance segments. This has been some of the strongest communication I've seen in awhile. I-CAR really did something new by reaching out to the industry where it hadn't formally reached out in the past and we've achieved a great deal moving forward. We have found a way to get I-CAR on the same level of understanding as the rest of the industry. I-CAR is now on its way to giving the industry what it asks for. There's a lot of momentum right now."

"It's great to be part of a process that brings all interested parties together and focuses on the same goal: having better-trained professionals that make the whole claims/repair process better and more efficient for us -- the shops -- and ultimately, our customers," said Chris Andreoli of Progressive Insurance.

Members of the Collision Repair Industry Segment Advisory Council include: Brett Bailey, A&B CARSTAR; Paul Blaski, Sterling Autobody Centers; Aaron Clark, Collision Solutions; Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body & Paint; Rose Grenell, ABRA Auto Body & Glass; Craig Griffin, Laney's Collision; Chuck Lee, Gerber Collision & Glass; and Jim Pickett, Service King;. Members of the Insurance Industry Segment Advisory Counsel include: Chris Andreoli, Progressive Insurance; Danielle Banaszak, Farmers Insurance; Mike DeVoss, State Farm Insurance; James Giles, American National Property & Casualty; Gerry Poirier, AIG; Chuck Williams, Unitrin/Kemper; and Bob Woods, OneBeacon Insurance.

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

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OVER 3000 CRASHES ON WEEKEND IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO OPP

Commissioner Julian Fantino wants to have the power to charge motorists who don't slow down when weather conditions demand caution on the roads. His pitch came on Monday December 22, after two major snowfalls in the southern Ontario area dumped over 35 cm. of snow in some areas. OPP responded to more than 3000 collisions as large swaths of the province were hit with heavy and blowing snow. Fantino says that at least 40 percent of the crashes are caused by people driving too fast in poor conditions and not paying attention.

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I-CAR ® ANNOUNCES 2009 INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - December 15, 2008 - The I-CAR International Advisory Committee (IAC) added four new members in December who will assist the committee to fulfill its mission as a communication link between the I-CAR International Board of Directors and staff with the volunteers who help deliver training to the collision inter-industry. The new members of the committee include: Leo Maki, Michigan Appraisal Service; Wendy Brent, GEICO; Roger Bloom, State Farm Insurance; and Patrice Marcil, DuPont Canada.

"I am very excited to welcome the four new members of I-CAR's International Advisory Committee," said Bill Stage, of Akzo Nobel Coatings and Co-Chairman of the Committee. "The IAC is the direct voice of I-CAR volunteers to the Board of Directors. The addition of the newest members provides a good cross representation of the I-CAR zones and international licensees."

Stage continued, "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Thompson of State Farm, Theresa Kostick of All Line CARSTAR, and Rodney Hughes in Canada, whose terms on the committee have expired. Their many years of dedicated service to the International Advisory Committee have benefited the organization."

Over the past year, the International Advisory Committee has worked with I-CAR's local volunteers to focus the training organization's effort to improve I-CAR class attendance and develop strategies to recruit the next generation of I-CAR volunteers and instructors.

"The work of the International Advisory Committee members is extraordinarily valuable. The members provide I-CAR's staff and Board of Directors with a connection to I-CAR's volunteers. It supports the effective sharing of ideas and communication of information on a range of training issues important to the inter-industry," said John Edelen, I-CAR President and CEO. "The work of the committee and the link that they provide to the volunteers is critical during these challenging times for the inter-industry."

The 2009 International Advisory Committee members include:

• Doug Middleton, Co-Chairman Retired I-CAR Regional Manager
• Bill Stage, Co-Chairman AkzoNobel Car Refinishes, N.A.
• Robert Cinibulk, Senior Advisor Retired Professional Material Damage Consultants
• Greg Gunter, Western Zone Greg's Auto Body
• Tom Lantz, Western Zone Leading Edge
• Ken Loper, Western Zone Knudtsen Chevrolet Body Shop
• Roger Bloom, Central Zone State Farm Insurance
• Leo Maki, Central Zone Michigan Appraisal Service
• Milton Parrish, Eastern Zone Parrish Body Shop
• Wendy Brent, Eastern Zone GEICO Insurance
• Bob Rogers, Eastern Zone State Farm Insurance
• Patrice Marcil, Canada DuPont Canada
• Robert Renwick, New Zealand I-CAR New Zealand
• Richard Pratt, Australia I-CAR Australia

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Be Car Care Aware Announces Winners
of the "Heroes of the Road" Contest

December 12, 2008 - Ottawa, ON -- More women than ever before are being proactive about the maintenance of their vehicles.  During October 2008, Car Care Canada ran the "Heroes of the Road" contest to highlight some of these outstanding women.

Shops participating in the Be Car Care Aware program were asked to nominate women who take time out of their busy schedules to ensure that the repair and maintenance needs of their vehicles were met on a regular basis.  Proper vehicle maintenance saves money, improves fuel efficiency, protects the environment and makes everyone safer on the roads! 

Choosing five winners from the close to 200 entries was not an easy task, but with the help of a Be Car Care Aware Advisory Board member, Car Care Canada selected the following "Heroes" from across Canada: 

• Manon Lachance -- nominated by Nathalie Gaudreault at Les Mécaniques de Ste-Agathe inc., Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière, QC
• Marcelle Delorme -- nominated by Lori Mott at Highway 17 Service, Inwood, MB
• Patricia Advent -- nominated by Marg Pilon at Almar Automotive, Barrie, ON
• Pat Gold -- nominated by Nadine & Steve Schwartz at Desboro Garage Ltd, Tara, ON
• Bernice Capusten -- nominated by Kira Kabel at Center City Tire & Auto, Red Deer, AB

Each "Hero" has been sent a spa certificate package from WaySpa in the amount of $150.00.  Our Be Car Care Aware Heroes also received a gift bag filled with Blink Car Cleaning Products (over $50 value), donated by Be Car Care Aware Sponsor Honeywell Consumer Products Group.

With each "Hero" nomination that a shop submitted, the shop's name was entered into a draw to win a fabulous prize.  Car Care Canada is very pleased to announce that Les Mécaniques de Ste-Agathe inc. is the winner of the grand prize (value of over $1500).

Special thanks to Specialty Sales & Marketing, Waterloo Tool Boxes (Division of MasterLock), Danaher and Cliplight for donating a NHL Tool Box (with the logo of the recipient's choice) a Gear Wrench Wratchet set and a Cliplight LED style trouble light as part of the shop prize package.

"Running this contest was a lot of fun. We had great participation from the Be Car Care Aware shops and we would like to thank all of the shops who took the time to send in nominations as well as congratulate all the winners." said Patty Kettles, Manager of Marketing & Communications.  "We plan on running more contests like this and other special offers to the participating shops in the Be Car Care Aware program next year."

About Be Car Care Aware & Car Care Canada

Be Car Care Aware is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.  The goal of the Be Car Care Aware campaign is to build awareness and knowledge to prepare consumers to make sensible decisions about their vehicles. Built around three key message areas of safety, the environment and protecting your vehicle investment, the campaign is spearheaded by Car Care Canada.

Car Care Canada is a non-profit advocacy group that is the leading source for research, education and communication about the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. For more than 15 years, Car Care Canada has been recognized for its credibility among consumer media, the motoring public and the industry.

For more information about vehicle maintenance and safety, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at www.carcarecanada.ca .

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I-CAR® Education Foundation Establishes
The Ion Baudoux Legacy Scholarship Fund

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - December 5, 2008 - The I-CAR Education Foundation is pleased to announce The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship in memory of I-CAR Development Manager Lon Baudoux, who passed away suddenly on November 11.  The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship fund was created by several I-CAR Program Instructors nationwide as a memorial to Lon, honoring all he has done for the collision industry.

"Those of us who knew and worked closely with Lon looked up to him for his sound industry knowledge and sincere dedication to the importance of training," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations.  "Lon was known for treating everyone fairly and would not hesitate to go the extra mile to help someone advance professionally within the industry. I feel fortunate to have known him and believe this scholarship effort is fitting to carry on his legacy."

I-CAR Program Instructors Steven Schmidt and Joe Burda were instrumental in getting the fund established. The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship will support a high school or college student pursuing a career in collision repair.  The I-CAR Education Foundation has agreed to fund the first $1,000 scholarship in spring 2009 to get the scholarship program started.

"We are honored to have been asked to help create a scholarship fund in memory of Lon Baudoux," said Scott Kruger, Executive Director of the I-CAR Education Foundation.  "The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship will be a wonderful way to celebrate his life, carry on his good works, and assure that Lon's memory continues to positively impact collision training and education forever."

Donations to the fund can be sent to:
The Lon Baudoux Legacy Scholarship
c/o I-CAR Education Foundation
5125 Trillium Blvd.
Hoffman Estates, IL  60192

You can also donate directly online by visiting www.ed-foundation.org and clicking on the "donate now" button.

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The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us on the Internet at: www.ed-foundation.org.

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TRAINING DRAWS, FREE PARTS ADS AND NO GST OFFERED
TO MEMBERS OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATION
Special Offers And Incentives To Make Shops More Profitable

This is a special opportunity to join your local collision repair association. This year-end special offer is to generate shop owner interest across Ontario to join and participate in the valuable activities and benefits of association life.

Any new or renewing trade association member that pays their membership by December 30, 2008 will receive the following:

• Waiving of the GST
  The association will pay your GST on your membership.

• FREE Parts Ad
  A 50 word ad on the industry web site at www.ciia.com to list old parts that every shop has collecting dust. Exchange old parts for cash with a FREE listing on the industry web site.

• A Draw For Free Internet Training
  A special offer for one lucky person from five different shops will now be able to access all 23 of the association's online training courses over the course of a full year for FREE. (The normal value is $100.00) Training courses include popular topics like Automotive WHMIS, Isocyanates, and Hoist Safety Training.

New Association Members Also Receive: The Autobody Profitability Workbook, How to Market your Collision Shop manual, brochures on profitability and safety in shops, the Prep for the Future report, as well as the Health and Safety information package. New handouts will include a five part human resources package, How to become a Salvage Inspection Station and Technician Equivalency package information including grants and incentives folders.

For more information, or how to become a member of your local association contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

Other membership advantages can be found at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/mbenefits.html

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OSSA Safety Group - Savings For Collision Shops Across Ontario

Based on its success in attracting 38 auto dealers in the Toronto area to its Safety Group program, the Ontario Service Safety Alliance is expanding to offer programs for auto & truck service businesses in Toronto, London. Hamilton, Barrie, and Ottawa in 2009, making available an opportunity that could help you receive a financial rebate for your efforts in improving your health and safety program.

This program will enable auto and truck service businesses across Ontario to work together to develop sustainable health & safety programs, share best practices and reap savings in WSIB costs. Businesses have, in the past, received rebates on their annual WSIB premiums of up to 6%. They have also reduced their injury rate by over 20%, further reducing their annual premiums.

Please read the brochure on the www.ciia.com web site. The brochure describes what is involved, how it works and what is expected of you. OSSA is flexible and open to creating separate, local chapters based on the response provided they have a minimum of 15 in each region.

This is a great program and opportunity and we encourage you to sign up. The deadline for registration is December 31, 2008. If you require further information, please call OSSA at 1-888-478-6772 and ask for safety group.

The brochure can be viewed at:
http://www.ciia.com/documents/Auto%20service%20firms.pdf

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COLLISION INTER-INDUSTRY GIVES POSITIVE REVIEWS OF I-CAR'S NEWEST TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

Hoffman Estates, IL - November 25, 2008 - Inter-industry professionals who completed I-CAR's newest course, Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02), at its premiere at NACE in Las Vegas, Nevada, had a lot to say about the program aimed to increase industry professionals' knowledge of hybrid-electric technology and alternative fuel vehicles.

"This program gave a great breakdown of electric and electric/gas combination vehicles already here and the new technology on its way," said Kevin Czar, Appraisal Unit Team Leader for TD Meloche Monnex Insurance in Edmonton, Alberta. "A key takeaway for me was how to disable an electric vehicle. This is especially important because if a vehicle is not disabled properly it could be dangerous for the technician and the appraiser writing the estimate. I want all of our appraisers to take this course because it is so rich in information."

"I found the step-by-step procedures to disconnect an electric vehicle highly beneficial," said Kendell Karlson, Estimator for Larry Chris Auto Body, Inc. in Burley, Idaho. "As an estimator it gave me a better understanding of the charges associated with completing these procedures and others. The program is very vehicle specific and to-the-point," said Karlson.

"There is an extensive amount of information on electric vehicles and the components of the vehicle that are also electric-powered such as electric air conditioning and power steering and the safety issues in disconnecting an electric battery properly. It also covers what can and can't be done on a hybrid vehicle and the real safety issues for whoever touches an electric vehicle. There's also a real focus on the changes ahead in the industry with additional information on propane and hydrogen powered vehicles," stressed Scott Balogh, Material Damage Supervisor for Safeway Insurance Company in Westmont, Illinois.

"I've already highly recommended this class to my appraisers. In the insurance industry, a lack of knowledge can hurt you in the long run and can cost more money based on items and procedures that are necessary and unnecessary in the repair process," he added.

-More-

Harry Raleigh owner of Raleigh Auto Body in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts added, "This program supplies the proper procedures and warnings we need to stay safe while on the job. I also sent this information to our local fire department because it is a matter of safety for them to know and properly shut off hybrid vehicles."

Additional information within the program includes:

•  Saving time and money by understanding electric air conditioning systems and the     unique compressor oil used in hybrids.

•  Protecting yourself by learning unique damage analysis and repair considerations     regarding electric-assist power steering systems and inverter/converter cooling     systems.

•  Protecting yourself by learning how with each new hybrid vehicle there is a twist on     the conventional hybrid system technologies.

•  Gaining insight into the future with alternative fuels, from the current ethanol blends,     propane, and compressed natural gas fueled vehicles, to future technology such as     plug-in hybrid electrics, the new pure electrics, and hydrogen fuel cell test vehicles.

Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) is now available across North America. For 2009 dates and the most up-to-date listing of the currently scheduled classes, visit www.i-car.com and register for a class scheduled near you!

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

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I-CAR ® announces 30th Anniversary Industry Event To
Take Place In Washington, DC, For July, 2009;
Annual Membership Meeting To Take Place In
Hoffman Estates, IL Office, February, 2009

Hoffman Estates, IL - November 19, 2008 - Given current market realities, I-CAR has revised its plans for 2009, and has announced that it will celebrate its 30 th anniversary at its industry event, July 28 through August 1, 2009, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

"We had planned initially to coordinate the 30 th anniversary celebration with Board and Membership activities in early February, and to hold that meeting at the Omni in DC, as well," said I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen. "However, we believe that this revised schedule is better for the meeting attendees and the many corporate and individual sponsors who make the I-CAR events possible."

"In these times, when we are all sorting out the impact of the latest developments in the economy on our businesses and on our families, it is unrealistic to expect that customers, sponsors, employees, volunteers, instructors, can support the expense associated with two major events," said Edelen.

The I-CAR International Board of Directors and I-CAR members will be gathering in February at the I-CAR Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, IL for their Annual Meeting.

Robby Robbs, I-CAR International's Board Chairman offered, "This is the responsible thing to do for the industry. The Board and our Membership will tend to governance responsibilities in February. Come July, we will take the opportunity to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the inter-industry founding of I-CAR. We will share this celebration with the inter-industry and seize the opportunity to recognize the contributions of our supporters, customers, sponsors, volunteers, and employees over the past thirty years."

"Thirty years of servicing the inter-industry is a significant accomplishment and we look forward to this momentous occasion by celebrating this milestone with our many industry supporters," noted Mr. Robbs.

Mark your calendars now! Additional details on the I-CAR 30 th Anniversary Industry Event will be forthcoming.

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

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TRAINING AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE

Always been curious about industry online training?

In an effort to highlight the value of online training in collision repair, Ontario's collision repair associations are offering shops a free online WHMIS refresher course at no charge.  This special offering is to try and help shops better understand and become familiar with online training.  The course can be completed at work or at home.

This course is designed as to assist staff that have previous WHMIS training and need a refresher.

Contact the association office at info@ciia.com or  1-866-309 4272 for your password and user number.

The associations also offer 23 other online courses including, full WHMIS, hoist safety training, and isocyanates training.  All courses are available as one package with a low price of $60.00 plus GST for member shops.  Please check out the course listings at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/itraining.html

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NIAGARA AREA SCHOOL PRESENTERS WANTED 
Collision repair message to reach interested students

Across Niagara region, many schools are waiting to hear about the collision repair and automotive painting industry.

In co-operation with the Business Education Council of Niagara and the local collision repair trade association, there is a need to motivate collision shops owners with the opportunity to speak to classrooms about the trade.

From Niagara District Secondary School in Niagara-On-The-Lake, through West Park Secondary School in St. Catharine's to Kernahan Park Secondary School, the need to have guest speakers from the industry is important. These schools are looking for a guest presenter who has collision repair, auto body or automotive painter experience, to speak to young people about a good career in fixing damaged vehicles.

Shops owners who are interested in speaking about the value of an apprenticeship in this field are given brochures, videos, handouts and props for the presentation.  Many students are really interested in listening to your personal story of achievement in the trade. How did you start? What is involved?  How much can they make? What are the future employment prospects?

If you are a Niagara area shop owner and interested in highlighting your industry to young people, please call HARA at 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com for more information on this great way of showcasing your talent and your business.

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COLLISION REPAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION OFFERS TRAINING
COURSES FOR LESS THAN $3 EACH

WHMIS, ISOCYANATES and AUTOMOTIVE LIFT TRAINING
are some of the courses being offered.

Calling it a major shift in how training is offered in the collision repair industry, the Collision Industry Information and Assistance.com (www.ciia.com ), representing Ontario-based collision repair associations, today started offering online training in 23 different courses for less than $3.00 each. "Our members have been asking about isocyanate and Vehicle Lift Safety in order to meet Ministry requirements in their shops, and we wanted to provide for them a quick, easy inexpensive training solution. In cooperation with E.A.G.L. Enterprises in Pickering, Ontario, we are now able to offer health, safety and management training courses online that shops and staff can access at any time," says Mark Timson, a Caledonia area shop owner and a director of www.ciia.com "Our instructor-led WHMIS course and our six-night Basic Estimating course are popular and are taken at our training centre or at a shop location. Also, we wanted to offer programs to help member shops that were more geographically distant. Vehicle Lift Safety courses are important and we could not arrange for a physical delivery of that course to date." Member shops can access the collision repair industry web site at http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/itraining.html .  Registration forms can be faxed, e-mailed or completed online.  Member shops can call Monica at 1 866 309 4272 for more information.  Member shops pay $60.00 plus GST and get access to any or all of the courses for a full year.  Completion documents are provided after the member successfully completes an individual course exam online.  A training certificate identifying all courses taken is issued annually. Other courses offered include Fire Safety, Back Safety, Due Diligence, Joint Health and Safety Committee, Understanding Bill C-45, Safety Inspections, Office Ergonomics, Stretches and Heat Stress.

For more information or to access online training courses call 1 866 309 4272 or e-mail info@ciia.com

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----------------------Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)-------------------------

-------Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)------------

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