OUTER PANEL PROWESS
BETAG North America recently celebrated the first graduating class of its Outer Panel Repair Specialist (OPRS) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where participants fine-tuned their ability to perform top-notch panel repairs. Supported by the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers, BETAG’s four-month OPRS program aims to equip participants with the skills to complete various sizes of panel repair on steel and aluminum, in addition to plastic restoration and glass removal.
SCHOOL IN SESSION
Axalta Coatings and SATA have announced a new training partnership, replacing the Axalta Training Center in Ajax, Ontario, with Axalta Training at SATA Canada. According to a press release from Axalta, this partnership will provide Axalta and its refinishing customers access to the new SATA Ontario location. Axalta refinish customers will have access to paint technician courses including tri-coat colour application, matte finishing, micro repair and more classes using Axalta tools. This new location features two spray booths, a classroom, a lunchroom and a fully equipped work area.
FORGING FORWARD
The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Welding Foundation has launched a new program, aiming to promote education, confidence, personal growth and experiential learning for women interested in welding-related skilled trades. According to a CWB press release, this is a 64-week pre-employment program that started in June 2022 and will run until Aug. 2023 across Canada, offering practical theory, hands-on welding training and skills development in a supportive and flexible learning environment. Furthermore, participants can obtain up to eight CWB welding qualifications, preparing successful candidates for a future apprenticeship, post-secondary education, or employment.
