I-CAR Australia and AMA Group have announced that Gemini Ballarat in Victoria has been awarded I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.
According to Gemini Ballarat, gaining accreditation was a rewarding experience for the business team, with the process encouraging a healthy and competitive environment. “It is good recognition for the site, but it also becomes competitive between the sites and states, which builds a great competitive but collegiate environment,” said Scott Donnelly, Technical Training, Prestige and OEM Manager at AMA Group.
Stuart McIntosh, Centre Manager of Gemini Ballarat, said the business works with I-CAR Australia to guide its apprentices into role relevant training. “We have apprentices beginning to do relevant courses to introduce them to the learning culture that is required in the modern repair facility. The ability to access training via multiple platforms really helps – online, on-site, classroom, and hands-on. A number of our technicians have achieved Platinum [Individual] status, so it would be nice to see more technicians reach this level,” said McIntosh.
I-CAR and AMA said Gold Class accreditation is a great achievement for Gemini Ballarat, as it continually strives to produce the highest possible standards. “Technology is changing at such a great rate that all facilities need to be well trained,” added Donnelly. “The I-CAR Road to Gold programme offers a comprehensive programme of training to ensure that all technicians are fully equipped to perform their roles safely and to a high standard. With ADAS, EV, and hydrogen becoming an everyday part of our business, it is critical that repair facilities are ahead of the game with regards to awareness, correct processes, and training.”
Jason Trewin, Chief Operating Officer of I-CAR Australia, said: “It’s great to see the training alliance supporting I-CAR Australia’s long-term vision in the collision repair industry, which is: ‘Every person in the collision repair industry has the information, knowledge, and skills required to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer’.”
I-CAR Australia said it supports industry training through a network of approved training providers as part of its Industry Training Alliance (ITA) programme. Gemini Ballarat’s accomplishments were supported by ITA partners including Car-O-Liner, BASF, and Glasurit.