Advancements in automotive refinish technologies, combined with the growing number and complexity of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) special-effects vehicle finishes, make it critical that collision refinish technicians stay current with available training. That is what drives PPG’s ongoing commitment to its comprehensive technician certification training program.

“We are constantly advancing the technology of PPG refinish systems, and we want to ensure that collision-center technicians are experts in using our products,” said Randy Cremeans, PPG director of training for automotive refinish. “That’s exactly what our certification training accomplishes. It ensures that technicians will be up to date with the latest products and process techniques for maximizing paint-booth productivity and completing quality refinish repairs.”

The two-day certification courses are held at 16 PPG Business Development Centers and various field locations across North America, where technicians receive classroom and hands-on training in the paint booth. Courses are tailored for each of PPG’s premium-brand collision and fleet refinishing systems, and they cover topics ranging from product selection, equipment and color tools to surface preparation and paint application best practices. Once a technician becomes certified, this qualifies the respective collision center to offer the PPG Lifetime Limited Paint Performance Guarantee.

Certification training for the ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne refinish system is one of the most popular courses, particularly because it is a key component of PPG’s proven CONVERT WITH CONFIDENCE® program for shops switching from using a solvent system.

A recent Envirobase High Performance certification class at the PPG Business Development Center in Wixom, Michigan, drew enthusiastic comments. “They make learning easy,” said Bryan Gunn, paint technician at Graff Motor Sales, Gladwin, Michigan, addressing the proficiency of the instructors. “They know the products and make great suggestions on how to get the job done right.”

“Now that I’ve switched to PPG, the training has provided me with a comfort level I’ve never experienced before,” added Dave Abend, owner of Abend Brothers Collision, Ossineke, Michigan.

Bob Hiser, a General Motors advanced service design engineer who reviews paint companies for warranty paint system approval, concurred, “PPG provides one of the most comprehensive training programs I’ve been through. The instructors cover all the details. They’re concerned that all goes well, and they take the time to teach.”

To make sure that technicians stay up to date, PPG requires them to attend recertification every two years as a qualification for continued participation the PPG Lifetime Limited Paint Performance Guarantee program.

PPG is involved in several additional certification programs. For OEMs, PPG provides refinish courses that qualify for credit in their technician certification programs. PPG has also partnered with select colleges and technical schools to give students the opportunity to become industry-certified through the PARTNERS IN EDUCATION™ program. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a two-year PPG certification. PPG has also teamed with industry professional organizations including I-CAR, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and SkillsUSA to ensure the high caliber of the collision industry’s workforce.