CWB accelerating into the auto sector

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB Group) recently announced important collaborations that will grow its influence while bolstering Canada's auto repair and collision business in a strategic move suggesting a deeper foray into the automotive sector. Collaborations with I-CAR Canada, AIA Canada, and a specialized OEM collision repair training centre in partnership with Volkswagen Group Canada are among the groundbreaking projects. The series of alliances indicates an industry paradigm shift, emphasizing the critical role of welding training in driving the automotive sector to new heights.

Changing the Face of Collision Repair

On Sept. 26, 2023, Ottawa was designated as the starting point for a transformative relationship. I-CAR Canada, a key player in the country's $37.8 billion auto care industry, has announced a partnership with CWB Group. The program will make use of CWB Group's expansive training facilities in Milton, Ont., and Nisku, Alta., as well as its nationwide instructor roster, to bring welding training to every part of Canada.

Stuart Klein, AIA Canada's vice-president of collision programs, described the collaboration as an incredible opportunity to deliver I-CAR welding training to distant, frequently inaccessible areas. "Working with the CWB Group at these facilities and through their travelling instructors will ensure that all Canadian collision sector businesses will have access to the training they need to safely repair vehicles," he said.

The Importance of Welding Training for Success

In an industry where margins for error are razor thin, a technician's skill might be the difference between a successful repair and a breached safety standard. Welding, which is often seen as both an art and a science, requires a degree of ability and knowledge that can only be obtained via rigorous training.

Welding is more than just connecting metals together; it is also about ensuring that these metals can survive the force of collisions, the stiffness of everyday use, and the test of time. As a result, a poorly done weld can cause catastrophic failures that jeopardize vehicle safety and performance. The collaboration between the CWB Group and I-CAR Canada aims to reduce this risk by delivering thorough training to technicians across the country. The program demonstrates the industry's commitment to combining technical developments with a workforce that is prepared to use them.

Fostering Auto Repair Education

Earlier this year, on May 30, the Canadian Collision Repair Academy (CCRA), a cutting-edge OEM body repair training facility, hosted an open house event for industry executives, automobile lovers, and aspiring technicians. The academy, located in Milton and supported by CWB Group and Volkswagen Group Canada, displayed its high-tech training environment.

The event emphasized the need for collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, and educational sectors in driving innovation and defining new industry standards. The training centre's curriculum offers a complete welding certification program to recruit a new generation of qualified technicians.

According to Pierre Boutin, president of Volkswagen Canada, "I think we all realize that the future is built today by coming together." The goal of the CCRA to "bring great jobs to Canada and to Ontario" serves as a model for industry-led training programs.

The Way Forward

The automotive industry is at a crossroads. The push toward electric vehicles and sustainable technologies demands the development of new skills. The necessary entry by CWB Group into the automotive sector, with a focus on training and skill development, may be viewed as more than just a company strategy, but also as a bigger vision for the Canadian industry.

"Join us on this transformative journey as we elevate the standards of collision repair education and drive the industry forward," says Doug Luciani, president and CEO of the CWB Group. “Together, we will develop a trained workforce capable of fulfilling future demands."

It's clear that the CWB Group and its partners aren't just making progress; they're establishing the industry standard. As CWB Group Sales Manager Jon Vieth puts it, "This is just the beginning of what is sure to be a bright future for the automotive industry."

In the ever-changing landscape of the automobile industry, adaptation is essential for survival, and these collaborations are the embodiment of industry evolution. The CWB Group and its partners are preparing for an exciting future by focusing on high-quality education and training.

Rhea Gill is communications lead at CWB Group, 8360 Parkhill Dr., Milton, Ont. L9T 5V7, 800-844-6790, rhea.gill@cwbgroup.org, www.cwbgroup.org.