In mid-2001 the province of Ontario's Ministry of Environment introduced new changes to the mandatory Certificate of Approval that is required for every paint spray booth and associated equipment in the province.

One of those changes included a mandatory requirement for successful completion of a specified training course. All automotive painters and at least one management person (owner, manager, foreman, supervisor, etc.) must successfully complete the training.

The approximately 3-hour course can be taken two ways:

1) Taught by a classroom instructor through your paint company. A number of paint companies are only offering their course when enough students are registered so there may not be a course immediately available. Call your paint company or
1-866-309-4272 for more information.

2) Through a CD-ROM that is forwarded to you with the training manual. This option allows you to take the course at the best time and place that works for you. Call 1-866-309-4272 for help.

There is a test at the end of the course. 70% is the successful level for pass completion. A Notice will be forwarded to all students who successfully complete the course as well as a Notice sent to their employer for posting and record keeping. Ontario Ministry officials can request to see the Notice during an inspection.

"I found the videos of local shops that used the information from this course to be really valuable"

One of the mandatory requirements of any Certificate of Approval issued since mid-2001 is the successful completion of a specified training course. "Profit from Good Environmental Management" will meet this need. Painter(s) and a management employee must take this course.

A number of the coatings firms are planning training sessions at locations other than their training centre.

Please call your coatings company for registration information.

TECHNICIAN LICENSING EQUIVALENCY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCATION COLLISION REPAIR ASSOCIATION

A number of workers in the autobody and collision damage repair trade have been employed in the trade in excess of the 7000 hours required for a licensed technician. However, they are not registered technicians.

Traditionally the only way to become a licensed technician would be to complete an in-class learning portion of 720 hours for training as a registered apprentice and an approximate time of three years working with a qualified technician, before challenging the qualification exam. An alternative equivalency process is also available. Your local Association has introduced a complementary package.

Included in the package:

•  Process for trades equivalency including application page

•  Curriculum of competencies required

•  Pre-license training class information

•  Fee information for license exam

If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact your local Collision Repair Association at
1-866-309-4272 or e-mail info@ciia.com