Eurocar Collision Repair Technician Training Program

Overview:

Automotive demographics have changed over the past twenty-five years in California.  It can be seen that a greater number of foreign-built vehicles has become the standard for California drivers.  Within a 50 mile radius of the Cerritos College campus it can be observed that an ever increasing number of foreign-built vehicles are European in origin.  These expensive, luxury vehicles have specific design and repair requirements from their manufacturers which differ extensively from vehicles manufactured in the USA and in Asia. 

 European vehicle manufacturers require a totally different type of structural repair equipment and methodology for repair of their vehicles. 

 Use of this ‘Eurocar System’ assures continued warrant-ability, structural integrity and driver/passenger safety. The repair method models the manner in which the vehicles were manufactured – using a zero tolerance bench with specialized fixtures to hold every part in proper position until construction is completed. Asian and American manufactured vehicles generally allow for “Universal Structural Measuring and Repair Equipment”.  Until now no training centers existed outside the European Corporate environment that provide training to this requirement and none of the recruits from these corporate training centers has been retained in the California service area after extensive training and internship completion.  Trainees not originating in California tend to move back to their state of origin – citing that the cost of living in California is too high for comparable wages with the same training.

Industry Need for Skilled Eurocar Technicians:

The auto collision repair trade in general has experienced a tremendous turnover rate of over 25% of collision repair technicians leaving their jobs in the last 12 months.  While the turnover rate is significant, of even greater concern is the total number of technicians that left the industry all together totaling 24,000 or 11.2% of the total US technician workforce. Only about 5,300 technicians were hired in the previous 12 months from vocational training programs such as the ACR Program at Cerritos College.  That still leaves over 18,500 technicians to be hired from other sources.  (³I-CAR 2001 Survey – “Snapshot of the Industry”). With the ever-increasing complexity and cost of vehicles today, especially in the Eurocar lines (Mercedes, BMW, Porsche/ Audi, Jaguar and others) there is an even greater demand for technicians that can understand complex procedures, precise processes and repair techniques for the “Ultimate Driving Machines” of the next decade. 

36% of repair shops surveyed by I-CAR in the above referenced study, indicated that they would have hired at least one additional technician if they were available during the previous 12 months.

According to the Employment Development Department statistics for 2003, over 1000 collision repair technician jobs will need filling within the five counties of Southern California plus Sacramento County within the seven years ending in 2008.  That represents from 6% to 33% growth by county for that period of time for collision repair technicians. This projection does not take into account the number of technicians leaving the industry (11.2%) represented in the I-CAR survey. (²Occupational Employment Projections 2001-2008)

The ACR Industry Advisory Committee (⁴See ACR Advisory Committee Roster 2004-06) recommends support of this training collaborative. (⁵See attached letters of support).  This training collaborative became an issue discussed in both on-phone and in-person meetings and has continued to gain momentum and support since its inception.

The concept of using the Cerritos College Auto Collision Repair Program to train entry-level technicians for the Eurocar industry began when several ‘high-end’ auto collision repair center managers in our area recently got together to discuss their common problem:  finding new entry-level technicians.  Ed Cobett, Collision Center Director of Spectrum Collision (a Shelly BMW Certified Collision Repair Center) mentioned to others in the group that about 1/3 of his technicians were trained by the instructors at Cerritos College and that they were “some of his best technicians”.  The end result of that meeting was that each of the center managers joined the Cerritos College ACR Advisory Committee and the ‘wheels’ have not stopped turning since then.

After several phone and in-person meetings, the decision was made to recruit California-born and destined individuals who are sponsored by California-based companies that repair European vehicles into a high-end collision repair training program at Cerritos College.  Every day new companies and vendors are excited about the prospects of this program as they hear about it from the original small group, and they have volunteered their talents and resources to support its growth. 

After several personal inquiries and online searches, it was discovered that no other community college or vocational institution-based program exists in California that trains Eurocar style collision repair. The collision center managers’ only choice is to pursue trainees at their Corporate Training facilities, several of which are out-of-state.  The problem is that Corporate Training centers focus on technician “new vehicle model training” more than they do “entry-level” collision repair training. The scores of Eurocar Dealerships in California need a constant supply of entry-level technicians that want to live and work in California.  Cerritos College is in the heart of the largest Eurocar market in the world.

The Cerritos College Auto Collision Repair Advisory committee members have repeatedly complained about their extreme difficulty in retaining ANY technicians trained in their Corporate Training Facilities in Arizona, Texas and New Jersey.  Apprentice technicians hired through these corporate facilities generally serve the required minimum number of months by their sponsor so as to be released from financial obligations incurred for educational expenses and tuition.  They then return to their out-of-state regions – citing extreme high cost of living in California as the reason for the departure.

This training program combines industry needs and collective resources to leverage existing funding by over 500%. The problem, like many departments on campus, has been the persistent reduction in budgetary funds and State funds made available. Combining the forces of the Collision Repair Industry need for entry-level Eurocar technicians with the existing resources in the ACR program on campus, provide for a long-term highly rewarding program for students. OEM Eurocar manufacturer’s and Eurocar equipment suppliers have committed over $600,000 in contributions to make this program successful. Contributions include:  vehicles, equipment, jigs and fixtures at $0 rental cost (normally $90 per day per set), software donations, reduced rates for services, materials, and training curriculum. (⁶ACR Program Donations) 

The program includes the integration of electronic technology and online research of relevant databases as a part of the instructional process including the use of wireless internet connections in the lab environment while working on specific makes and models of vehicles.  Added benefit is shared with general auto collision repair students as they will also be able to use these “updated resources” in their learning.

The Regional Auto Dealers Consortium proposal for a multi-million dollar training center on campus was presented to the Technology Division by Dr. Randy Peebles, Technology Division Dean, and to the Cerritos College Board of Trustees by John Grindel – Interim President in the Spring 2004 semester.  This proposal includes a collaboration of the Southern California Auto Dealers Association members with Cerritos College Center for Advanced Transportation Technology to develop a regional training center for technicians, sales and service staff, and managers to the Southern California Auto Dealerships. Nearly all of the new members of the ACR Industry Advisory Committee 2004-06 are members of the Southern California Auto Dealers Association.  This new consortium will provide close ties and student placement in vocational education environment including internships.  This proposal dovetails perfectly with the vision and mission of the Regional Auto Dealers Consortium.

Collaborators worked jointly to develop the program:

External partner/partners

Eurocar Bench Systems, Cerritos CA. – Has agreed to provide Celette Bench Systems for student learning in the ACR Program area on Campus including required fixtures and pulling equipment without cost to the district. (fixtures are usually rented by the day).  Spectrum Collision Center, Irvine CA. (a Shelly BMW affiliate – BMW Certified Repair Center) – Has agreed to provide coordination and direction for program and sponsor students in the program.  ITOutsource, Anaheim CA – IT Outsource, Inc. is an Information Technology support company – it provides outsourcing of IT services – Will provide technical support and hosting services for corporate resource and training media (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche/ Audi etc.) to make technical information available to students from on and off campus – including at individual work sites.

House of Imports Mercedes Benz, Buena Park CA – Will provide program design and direction and sponsor students in the program. BMW of USA – Will provide late model BMW’s for use by students in training – damaged autos requiring damage analysis and repair and/ or replacement of structural parts. Dupont – Agrees to provide Eurocar-approved automotive paint materials for student learning.  Dupont also agrees to provide a dedicated paint mixing system and computerized tintometer.

The Auto Collision Repair Program is a part of the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology, ACR works together with the Automotive Mechanical Program in shared resources, classrooms, and equipment.  Joint use of AT 66B classroom by Auto and ACR. Pre-requisite welding courses can be provided in Welding Department.  Manufacturer-specific welding training would take place in the ACR program area.

The integration of academic competencies in ACR courses has and will continue to take place:

Math concepts are to be included in damage analysis courses, (quantitative thinking – analysis of multiple variables, algebra), vehicle measuring (geometry), volume (proportions, percentages), weights and measures for refinishing courses.  English writing and grammar are practiced in the development of action/ repair plans and essays on research conducted and in final exams.  

Chemistry competencies will be integrated into auto refinishing course content – cause and effect of improper balances of chemical mixtures. Physics concepts will be embedded into the existing courses during collision theory and damage assessment/ analysis.  The effects of inertia, kinetics, and laws of relativity affecting damage during vehicle collisions is now covered during damage analysis portions of existing courses.

This Program Works in Harmony with Other Existing Automotive Technician Programs: 

This approach has proven to be successful elsewhere but is new to Cerritos.  The need for this style of training was developed as a collaborative between major European car manufacturers and UTI in Arizona and Texas.  The UTI program is now the Certified Training Program for Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and other European manufacturers.

This is also a new application of an existing Cerritos resource.  The prior success of the ACR program over 34 years as key supplier of trained industry technicians and estimators is pivotal to the success of this proposal. Other long-Term successes with corporate automotive technician training programs such as Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, and Daimler/Chrysler CAP have shown the ability of such a program as is proposed herein to work over the long-term.  Some of these programs were the first in the USA and span over 25 years.

Verifiable Outcomes:

Existing courses will be revised to reflect changed emphasis including technology training and academic competency.

New instructional models will be developed in the following areas:

·                Advanced Panel Bonding techniques – Silicon Bronze, Aluminum, structural adhesives

·                Structural Repair Setup for dedicated jig and fixture systems

·                Eurocar qualified refinish preparation and refinishing – Dupont Performance Coatings.  It is anticipated that current ACR courses can be modified and enhanced to include additional learning components and objectives.  This proposal is not intended to replace the existing “general” collision repair training that takes place in the ACR Program, but rather run parallel with the current program, filling the 1-5 PM time block with two courses per semester running two-days each for eighteen weeks. One program would in fact feed the other, and vice versa.

Written reports evaluating the progress of the program are to be provided to the ACR Advisory Committee and other interested parties at mid-term of each semester and at the end of each graduating class (every 12 months) as the effectiveness and progress of the program is monitored.

Increased Collision Repair Industry meetings on campus will help focus, coordinate support, and give program direction including: Industry Association meetings for local chapters can be held on campus; Seminars can be offered on campus demonstrating the changed emphasis.

·                 Eurocar dedicated bench systems repair

·                 High-end automotive repair differences – limitations on “general repair” shops to repair new Eurocar vehicles - OEM

·                 Workshops reflecting industry-specific learning modules for working technicians to upgrade certifications

·                 Aluminum welding seminars

·                 Panel bonding seminar – aluminum structural panel replacement

·                 Industry training to take place on –campus for technicians already in industry (viz. BMW, 3M, Dupont, Lord Fusor, others)

This Program Provides Improved Results:  

Collision repair centers will have a new source for qualified entry-level technicians trained in the Eurocar repair methods and know how to use the vehicle-specific equipment and repair procedures.  The level of collision repair will continue to improve to match the level of engineered technology now and in the future of automobile design.  Overall, the productivity of new entrants into the collision repair workforce will encourage continued and additional support for this program as we prepare technicians for collision repairs on vehicles of 2010 and beyond.

Skill/ knowledge attainment as evidenced by course completion, grades (Core Indicator One).  80% of the students in this program will complete with a ‘B’ level or greater.  NATEF and Eurocar repair competencies will be embedded into the curriculum.  Program completers, as evidenced by certificates, and degrees (Core Indicator Two) will increase by 20 per year per program section offered. Increases in Associate

Degrees in ACR will increase by 5 per year after the 2^nd year of operation.  The ACR Program will experience an increase in Degree Transfers by 2 per year.

The primary interest and requirements for this job category is job placement and retention (Core Indicator Three).  Job placement and retention will increase by 20 per year per program section.  Job retention will improve by 16 per section offered.  Non-Traditional employment (Core Indicator Four) will increase by 2 per year.

 By integrating closely with employers, manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and information providers, this program will better prepare students for the work life they are seeking. This is a financially and personally rewarding career with a great and prosperous future, let’s get everyone on-board.

SUMMARY:

The auto collision repair industry in our region has clearly defined the need for a Eurocar Collision Repair Program in our area.  There are no other training programs within the state of California providing such training – Cerritos College is unique in this effort.  The industry support is well documented for Eurocar Collision Repair including sponsoring the ACR Program with up to $600,000 in equipment, materials, curriculum and training for instructors in just the first year, and guaranteed employment for students both during and after program completion.  The employment future for students in this program is excellent with graduates earning above average during training and within 5 years earning between $55,000 and $75,000 per year.  Technicians with at least 10 years experience are earning well above the $100,000 range per year.

Initial Schedule of the First Series of Eurocar Training Courses:

Eurocar Training classes run in tandem with “General” Auto Collision Repair Program:

AB 51 Non-Structural Damage Repair:       Fall 2005 M+W 1-5pm (18 weeks) - Robertson

AB 52 Structural Damage Repair:               Fall 2005 T+Th 1-5pm (18 weeks)  - Robertson

AB 53 Suspension and Steering Alignment: Spring 2006 M+W 1-5pm (18 weeks) - Robertson

AB 54 Advanced-Design Panel Repair:         Spring 2006 T+Th 1-5pm (18 weeks) – Robertson

AB 72/73 Work Experience                         Spring 2006  (18 weeks) - Robertson

AB 61 Preparation and Spot Refinishing:   Summer 2006 MTWTh 5:30-10pm (8 wks) – Ferre

AB 73 Work Experience (On-the-job training/internship) Summer 2006 (8 weeks) - Ferre

This program responds to an escalating industry needs identified by our Advisory Committee, it provides verifiable exit results, meets district goals and educational and employment needs for students, and it enhances the overall perspective of the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology.  In addition, it focuses on similar needs as identified by the Southern California Auto Dealers Association in their proposal for a Regional Consortium to prepare additional automotive technicians for their industry.  2/3 of the advisory committee members that have worked so hard to initiate this program are already members of the Southern California Auto Dealers Association.

Course Schedule - Annual Startup in August each year:

Each class is 8 hours per week, 18 weeks for 144 hours of instruction. (Summer is 18 hrs per week for 8 weeks for each class totaling 144 hours each)

For Information on How to Become a Sponsoring Shop or an Apprentice, click HERE and Send an Email Indicating Your Interest.