I-CAR Australia and AMA Group have announced that Harris & Adams Prestige Auto Body Repairs has been awarded I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.
“The requirement for training in the automotive body repair industry is becoming more important than ever before with the technology explosion in our industry, and Gold Class is the highest level of accreditation within the I-CAR Professional Development Program,” the organisations said. “AMA Group is committed to having the skills and knowledge required to safely repair modern vehicles as ADAS, EV and hydrogen-fuelled technologies are filtering into all makes of vehicles.”
Scott Donnelly, Technical Training, Prestige & OEM Manager at AMA Group, said it is critical that staff are fully trained and up to date with the latest information and processes.
“COVID-19 really changed the way the industry needed to review training. Online courses and virtual classroom courses replaced face-to-face training where possible to keep the team ticking along with our training plan. Luckily, we are now over this, so welding and specific hands-on courses are back in motion. I-CAR training and our associations with a number of OEM partners naturally complement our position in the marketplace,” said Donnelly.
David Bentzen, Centre Manager at Harris & Adams Prestige Auto Body Repairs, said he is proud of his close-knit team for achieving Gold Class status.
“It was an easy process for the site as we are fortunate that AMA Group has the resources and association with I-CAR to map out a full training plan. We also have great support from BASF with whom we work closely in regard to training and the provision of leading-edge technology.
“The site is part of the BMW Accredited Bodyshop programme and is an Approved Tesla Bodyshop, which both have numerous I-CAR accredited and brand-specific ITA training courses, too.”
Gary Wood, Senior Technical Advisor at I-CAR Australia, said it was “satisfying and easy” to help the dedicated group at Harris & Adams Prestige Auto Body Repairs and AMA Group achieve Gold Class accreditation.
“The team diligently worked their way to Gold Class accreditation in the last few years, concentrating on our EV, ADAS and technology online courses to stay abreast with the latest information and processes. Congratulations to all involved,” said Wood.