Canadian Collision Repair Academy (CCRA) Open House Showcases State-of-the-Art Training Center and Industry Connections
An industry first for the Canadian market, the training centre will serve Audi and Volkswagen
Milton, ON - On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Canadian Collision Repair Academy (CCRA) hosted a highly successful Open House event, welcoming over 150 attendees to their state-of-the-art OEM body repair training center. The event provided an exclusive opportunity for automotive enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring collision repair technicians to explore the cutting-edge facilities, network with industry representatives, and gain insights into the future of the collision repair industry.
The Open House kicked off with opening remarks from Trent Konrad, CWB Education Director, who set the tone for the event by highlighting the importance of high-quality education and industry partnerships in shaping the future of collision repair. Konrad also took a moment to recognize Jean-Marc Julien, CCRA training Instructor, for his exceptional dedication and contributions to the program.
The audience was then treated to inspiring addresses by Jon Vieth, Sales Manager, and Scott Wideman, Manager of Parts Wholesale and Collision Repair Program at Volkswagen. Vieth and Wideman emphasized the significance of collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, and education sectors in fostering innovation and driving the industry forward. Their speeches shed light on the latest advancements in collision repair technology and the opportunities that lie ahead for skilled professionals.
The CCRA Open House was honored to host distinguished guests, including Mayor Gordon Krantz, the Mayor of Milton, who expressed his support for the academy and its contribution to the local economy. The presence of the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade of Ontario highlighted the government's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and promoting the automotive industry's growth in the region. Additionally, the President of Volkswagen Canada, Pierre Boutin, shared insights into the company's commitment to training excellence and its role in shaping the future of collision repair.
Throughout the event, attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with industry representatives from various sectors, including OEMs, suppliers, and education. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the industry's evolving needs and expectations.
The successful Open House event at the Canadian Collision Repair Academy not only showcased the state-of-the-art training center but also strengthened connections within the industry. The collaboration between CCRA, OEMs, suppliers, and education sectors reflects a shared vision of excellence in collision repair education. The event served as a testament to the academy's commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
About the CWB Group and Volkswagen Group Canada collaboration:
Introducing our dedicated OEM collision repair training centre in collaboration with VW Group Canada and CWB Group. Located at the CWB Group facility in Milton, this centre of excellence for repair training will revolutionize the industry by showcasing an OEM training environment equipped with cutting-edge equipment. Our focus is on developing technician skills to effectively repair modern vehicles according to factory standards.
With a strong commitment to industry advancement, our training centre will spearhead various initiatives to benefit the collision repair sector:
- Enhancing the competency of repair technicians, including comprehensive welding certification programs.
- Collaborating with Skills Canada to organize engaging events aimed at attracting talented youth to the trade.
- Supporting the Women's Industry Network to encourage and empower women to join the collision repair industry.
- Conducting industry education sessions on safe and proper repair practices for insurance companies, repairers, and government stakeholders.
Quotes:
“Join us on this transformative journey as we elevate the standards of collision repair education and drive the industry forward. Together, we will create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future.\”
–Doug Luciani, President and CEO of the CWB Group
“We have a lot of great partners working together and we’re looking into the next phases already. This is just the beginning of what is sure to be a bright future for the automotive industry.”
-Jon Vieth, Sales Manager at the CWB Group
“This did not happen without industry support. This training centre is and will be the industry solution for Canada; that’s our vision. We can keep our Canadian technicians within our borders and make sure they receive the same quality training that we want and that we envision from our brands.”
-Scott Wideman, Manager of Parts and Collision Repair Academy
”We live in an ever-changing society and if we don’t adapt, we will get left behind. So, it was wonderful to see the CWB Group get involved in the collision auto repair program with VW Canada and help build the economy in Milton while serving a major Canadian sector.”
- Mayor Gordon Krantz, Milton
“This is a great opportunity to talk about the electric vehicle revolution that is playing out right here in Milton. How exciting it is to have a full understanding of an industry-led program here in Milton where these auto bodies will be used in training for collision repair; it is truly spectacular to see such a revolutionary partnership. VW Canada is a leading brand and is providing these young men and women the opportunity to build a wonderful career. We are showing the world that this is the future, and we are a big part of it.
- Minister Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Ontario
“I was shocked to hear that in this country we didn’t have a tool for the future development of auto repair. I think we all realize that the future is built today by coming together. So much time is spent perfecting automobiles and to have such expertise developed right here in Canada is critical for us. It’s not just about repairing vehicles but also how they’re repaired. This will bring more people into the trade, more women into the trade and anyone who is interested in good-quality training and learning the standards to do it properly. A huge thank you for the partnership and having this event. We are so honoured to be a part of it and we are so excited to bring great jobs to Canada and to Ontario.”
- Pierre Boutin, President of VW Canada
