I had a very interesting conversation with one of the parents at my daughter’s soccer practice; I’m not saying it’s the first conversation of such for me, but this conversation made me weigh into the conscious reality of my economical future situation as a tech in the auto collision industry. At the same time I also realized that my economical perspective is not isolated - it’s actually shared by many of people in different professions, trades and careers I’ve spoken with.
As I was engaged in the conversation listening, I herd a repetitive statement “I’m living from pay cheque to pay cheque” is this the reality in today’s economy? I think so, especially for those people who are responsible for balancing family, mortgage and car payments.
I have been watching the American presidential race and the their economical woes on CNN closely for the last couple of weeks, “making for great reality T.V.” The conclusion I have drawn on is “the American people of today and tomorrow are saying” “we need a fresh, new direction that utilizes our strengths in a changing global society.”
Has it been a coincident that I’ve acknowledged the conversation with the soccer parent and my sudden interest in American’s social and economical discord? No.
I realized a long time ago it doesn’t matter how hard you work, without strengthening future possibilities you can fall instant victim to internal and external economical change.
This is why; there are two important economical responsibilities for me to focus on. The first is, to have a strong and unified Canadian auto collision industry and the second is connected to associating my self with collective industry trendsetters.
The beginning of March –2008 I will be spending one week in Los Angeles, California at a WFG conference – an up and coming wealth building enterprise that’s making esteem headway in the new financial economy.
I will be taking time out and visiting local area businesses (auto collision and travel) of direct interest to me – you see I look at it like this…the auto collision industry is where I’m at right now and the travel industry is where I will be in the future. When I’m conducting business and research in the travel industry I see a lot of similarities to the auto collision industry’s infrastructure layout.
I will go into this more in a future blogs and this might be a good question for those that are familiar with the auto collision industry procedures. Do you see any industry that has a local infrastructure demand that spans globally like the collision industry?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Obsticles
Its times like this where I feel like shouting from the top of my lounges for joy. I decide around the time of my last blog on Feb 14 2008 to make changes to my blog URL address so it would showcase my blog and web site profile at the same time.
When I signed up for Blogger.com free blog service I didn’t know how profoundly blogging resources or even the community of blogging would impact me on providing my mission for a “unified auto collision industry” exposure.
The information my web service provider Sitebuildit.com and the provider of my CNAME blog blogger.com gave me seem so simple and straightforward that even a novice of internet technology like me could make changes to a URL and blend two separate services provider together with ease. Things are not all ways, as they seem, it was a pain and gut wrenching experience – even now thinking about the last few weeks of tying to get dontek.blogspot.com redirected and renamed dontek.tektalk.net was overwhelming.
I recognized at the onset of the process it wasn’t going to be a walk-in-the-park from the information I received and both service providers posted on their web sites in order to perform this “simple task” (from their point of view when relaying technical information).
So, I made up my mind with a realistic and achievable goal in hand. No matter what obstacle or issues I had to endure and assistance I required, I know my goal was possible.
The feeling of accomplishing something you set out to accomplish and being able to over come big or small obstacles to accomplish that thing (of positive meaning to community and you) is always a feeling of self-satisfaction, because you know from this point on fruitful growth is possible.
I guess there could be a negative spin on accomplishing something and being able to over come big or small obstacles, if that thing happens to be of selfish gains and no meaning to community. In this case there is always a diminishing feeling and an uphill battle of justification.
In the assessment to this whole task of redirecting my blog URL and the comparison I’ve made in relationship to my mission on creating a “unified auto collision industry”.
Working with two services parties that have separate polices and procedures (in the case of the auto collision industry lots of parties) to achieve a common goal is attainable –but the question is…is the auto collision industry ready to establish new goals for the better of the community?
When I signed up for Blogger.com free blog service I didn’t know how profoundly blogging resources or even the community of blogging would impact me on providing my mission for a “unified auto collision industry” exposure.
The information my web service provider Sitebuildit.com and the provider of my CNAME blog blogger.com gave me seem so simple and straightforward that even a novice of internet technology like me could make changes to a URL and blend two separate services provider together with ease. Things are not all ways, as they seem, it was a pain and gut wrenching experience – even now thinking about the last few weeks of tying to get dontek.blogspot.com redirected and renamed dontek.tektalk.net was overwhelming.
I recognized at the onset of the process it wasn’t going to be a walk-in-the-park from the information I received and both service providers posted on their web sites in order to perform this “simple task” (from their point of view when relaying technical information).
So, I made up my mind with a realistic and achievable goal in hand. No matter what obstacle or issues I had to endure and assistance I required, I know my goal was possible.
The feeling of accomplishing something you set out to accomplish and being able to over come big or small obstacles to accomplish that thing (of positive meaning to community and you) is always a feeling of self-satisfaction, because you know from this point on fruitful growth is possible.
I guess there could be a negative spin on accomplishing something and being able to over come big or small obstacles, if that thing happens to be of selfish gains and no meaning to community. In this case there is always a diminishing feeling and an uphill battle of justification.
In the assessment to this whole task of redirecting my blog URL and the comparison I’ve made in relationship to my mission on creating a “unified auto collision industry”.
Working with two services parties that have separate polices and procedures (in the case of the auto collision industry lots of parties) to achieve a common goal is attainable –but the question is…is the auto collision industry ready to establish new goals for the better of the community?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Old Saying
“If you want to know your past life, look into your present condition; if you want to know your future, look into your present action”.
The auto collision industry of old is no different than the one of today, except for society evolutionary changes and advancements in technology.
Even though I’m seeing new initiatives and joint ventures emerging such as the newly PPG Accredited Training Program and the lean collision repair production system by DCR Systems. But, programs such as these can only make a sub par slash if the auto industry continues to ignore the demand for an industry wide human resource program infrastructure.
The hundreds and thousands of dollars that is spent on augmenting the managerial process of repair shops and their equipment flow would be better of allocated towards internal retention of production workers (Techs). The sort and long-term benefits of a thriving and joyous work force strengthens the industry’s total efforts. Initiatives that have true industry value and require the mental and physical presence of techs in order for their initiative to reach full blossom should invest in employment programs that reinforces techs enrollment.
I will continue to say this “we need to address the retention dilemma in the auto collision industry before launching side bar initiatives”.
The auto collision industry of old is no different than the one of today, except for society evolutionary changes and advancements in technology.
Even though I’m seeing new initiatives and joint ventures emerging such as the newly PPG Accredited Training Program and the lean collision repair production system by DCR Systems. But, programs such as these can only make a sub par slash if the auto industry continues to ignore the demand for an industry wide human resource program infrastructure.
The hundreds and thousands of dollars that is spent on augmenting the managerial process of repair shops and their equipment flow would be better of allocated towards internal retention of production workers (Techs). The sort and long-term benefits of a thriving and joyous work force strengthens the industry’s total efforts. Initiatives that have true industry value and require the mental and physical presence of techs in order for their initiative to reach full blossom should invest in employment programs that reinforces techs enrollment.
I will continue to say this “we need to address the retention dilemma in the auto collision industry before launching side bar initiatives”.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Internal Unification
As I talked to more industry participants, I started to realize the industry is more fragmented than I had initially imagined. I always new the industry had issues of unification, profile and synergy through out all levels but what I didn’t know was how vulnerable it was.
Now I understand why me being an auto tech talking and taking a stance for my industries direction has created such a hoopla…
What I’m hearing from industry pundits and this is in no direct quote - “Its impossible for a tech to be interested in the well far of its own auto collision industry, Techs don’t have vision, they don’t understand the business challenges we face on a daily basses. All they want to do is create additional issues complain and whine about their circumstance.
Yes, I’m a tech and I understand the industry’s circumstances from a techs point of view, that doesn’t mean I don’t have the capabilities to take myself, “away from the trees to see the whole forest”.
I also understand that we as an auto collision industry have created the majority of our issues. Every industry must adjust and alter their stance in reaction to external forces, it’s their internal unification and structure that determines how powerful an industry can over come issues.
Okay, at this time water born (VOC environmental compliance) will partly captured the attention of the industry for a few years and the premature implementation of accreditation, now” I didn’t say I didn’t like accreditation but, how can you have accreditation without internal unification”?
I’m here as a tech to find solutions to the old issues of integrity, unification and retention for the better of my industry’s direction and most importantly for the industry that I depend on as an income stream.
The question is, “why are you here and how are you willing to stand for (others) as a participant in the auto collision industry?”
Now I understand why me being an auto tech talking and taking a stance for my industries direction has created such a hoopla…
What I’m hearing from industry pundits and this is in no direct quote - “Its impossible for a tech to be interested in the well far of its own auto collision industry, Techs don’t have vision, they don’t understand the business challenges we face on a daily basses. All they want to do is create additional issues complain and whine about their circumstance.
Yes, I’m a tech and I understand the industry’s circumstances from a techs point of view, that doesn’t mean I don’t have the capabilities to take myself, “away from the trees to see the whole forest”.
I also understand that we as an auto collision industry have created the majority of our issues. Every industry must adjust and alter their stance in reaction to external forces, it’s their internal unification and structure that determines how powerful an industry can over come issues.
Okay, at this time water born (VOC environmental compliance) will partly captured the attention of the industry for a few years and the premature implementation of accreditation, now” I didn’t say I didn’t like accreditation but, how can you have accreditation without internal unification”?
I’m here as a tech to find solutions to the old issues of integrity, unification and retention for the better of my industry’s direction and most importantly for the industry that I depend on as an income stream.
The question is, “why are you here and how are you willing to stand for (others) as a participant in the auto collision industry?”
Friday, February 8, 2008
Told You
Every participant in the auto collision industry has one or two ideas that they feel is the main issues that is affecting the industry. I’ve decided to compile and gather quotes from magazines, web site, news groups, forums and blogs to capture their thoughts.
Canadian Underwriter.ca
In a period when auto claims frequencies appear to be moving back up from record lows, a lack of licensed technicians in a collision repair facility could mean increased costs for insurance companies. Perry (ABC Consulting) said, “the collision repair industry now has some numbers quantifying the extent of the loss and the industry now has to do something about retention”.
Collision Repair Magazine (Vol 6 No 6)
Not Enough - written by Tom Bissonnette
Technicians need more than recognition
He states “ have your ever heard someone mention that money is not the most important thing to keep employees happy and content with their job? They say recognition is more important. I say bull! Without a decent paycheque you can’t even get them interested in applying for your job, much less keep them for long”.
BodyShop Professional (December 2007 Issue)
Andew Ross says “ Attracting and retaining has become a clique, most people focus their discussion on attracting young people to the industry, glossing over the difficulty that the industry suffers from in retention”.
“It’s critical to address the difficulty in retaining those young people who made the decision to enter the industry, then left”.
To me the writing is on the wall, the industry is staring to whisper sound words of advise and that is, “its better first to focus on retaining techs than attracting them”.
I have my suggestion on how we could retain techs, thus attract apprentices. Do you have a suggestion?
Canadian Underwriter.ca
In a period when auto claims frequencies appear to be moving back up from record lows, a lack of licensed technicians in a collision repair facility could mean increased costs for insurance companies. Perry (ABC Consulting) said, “the collision repair industry now has some numbers quantifying the extent of the loss and the industry now has to do something about retention”.
Collision Repair Magazine (Vol 6 No 6)
Not Enough - written by Tom Bissonnette
Technicians need more than recognition
He states “ have your ever heard someone mention that money is not the most important thing to keep employees happy and content with their job? They say recognition is more important. I say bull! Without a decent paycheque you can’t even get them interested in applying for your job, much less keep them for long”.
BodyShop Professional (December 2007 Issue)
Andew Ross says “ Attracting and retaining has become a clique, most people focus their discussion on attracting young people to the industry, glossing over the difficulty that the industry suffers from in retention”.
“It’s critical to address the difficulty in retaining those young people who made the decision to enter the industry, then left”.
To me the writing is on the wall, the industry is staring to whisper sound words of advise and that is, “its better first to focus on retaining techs than attracting them”.
I have my suggestion on how we could retain techs, thus attract apprentices. Do you have a suggestion?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tool Time Response
What I’ve decided to do with my blogging is post some of my responses I’ve sent to authors of articles of interest to me concerning the auto collision industry.
My response was to an article written by, Sam Piercey Thursday, 11 October 2007
Titled: Tool Time
Hi Sam, It’s nice to here a person talking and even taking the time out of their busy schedule to write about future techs and their finical plight entering the auto collision industry.
Your comments and before I say what I’m about to say …I’ll let you know I’m a tech that has worked for 25yrs in the collision industry. Okay, your First comment, “offer them (apprentice) a deal”. “Tell the apprentice that you will provide them with basic tools. When they ask what the catch is, whip out a contract that basically says that they will work for you for at least five years. If they serve out their hitch, the tools are theirs to keep.
It’s a good suggestion but there is a lot of litigation concerns that pop up for me and if an apprentice was to ask me on my opinion of this deal I would tell them “ let your boss know you appreciate their offer and you would like to take them up on it but, maybe we can structure the contract differently. For example, we go to a tool suppler such as Mac or Snap On etc and sign a contract with them as you as my co-signer.
This way if the apprentice and repair fall out of contention (the real world) the supplier can settle a fair tool buyout agreement with the apprentice, while the repair takes him self off the contract. This makes it a win, win, win for all parties involved.
My response was to an article written by, Sam Piercey Thursday, 11 October 2007
Titled: Tool Time
Hi Sam, It’s nice to here a person talking and even taking the time out of their busy schedule to write about future techs and their finical plight entering the auto collision industry.
Your comments and before I say what I’m about to say …I’ll let you know I’m a tech that has worked for 25yrs in the collision industry. Okay, your First comment, “offer them (apprentice) a deal”. “Tell the apprentice that you will provide them with basic tools. When they ask what the catch is, whip out a contract that basically says that they will work for you for at least five years. If they serve out their hitch, the tools are theirs to keep.
It’s a good suggestion but there is a lot of litigation concerns that pop up for me and if an apprentice was to ask me on my opinion of this deal I would tell them “ let your boss know you appreciate their offer and you would like to take them up on it but, maybe we can structure the contract differently. For example, we go to a tool suppler such as Mac or Snap On etc and sign a contract with them as you as my co-signer.
This way if the apprentice and repair fall out of contention (the real world) the supplier can settle a fair tool buyout agreement with the apprentice, while the repair takes him self off the contract. This makes it a win, win, win for all parties involved.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Power of the Universe
It’s very interesting to stop and think about the universe, on how it affects you and the way you affect it, by the choices you make and why you make those choices. I might sound confusing but its very interesting.
There are lots of books, CD’s, tapes, and articles out on the market tapping into the power of the universe. We all have some form of limited awareness of this power or energy. We possess an energy field around use that can be felt and recognized by negative and positive energy or good and bad energy. These energy fields can only coexist around each other for a limited time before there is a reaction of some sort.
How real are these energy fields? Well I’ve always had an altered state of mind when my energy field is off kilt. Call it paranoia or intuition, I do now realize something is going to happen or needs to be done when the energy around me is less than powerful.
Couple of years ago a DVD called the SECRET was circulating the globe and I came about it through a friend. I must say it’s very interesting that I happened to come across this DVD because it’s around the same time my interest was starting to peak on universal energy.
I watch the DVD with an open mind and what I got from it was, no matter what you desire out of life by being authentic and channeling your energy towards your desire, dream or passion it will become a reality.
As I was writing this blog I started to search the Internet for content on universal energy and came across this information that mirrored my thoughts.
Connecting with Universal Energy.
This hidden power is available to those who recognize and accept that there is a higher realm of knowing and communication beyond their own physical bodies. The universe is full of this unlimited energy that can be tapped by almost anyone who will make the effort to focus and tune themselves to its subtle vibrations.
These vibrations are not just for the so called 'gifted' persons, but for everyone who makes the effort to learn its secrets. Most all psychic people are that because they recognized the signs of this energy and focused their attention on its workings which is the very thing that is required in order to develop it. If they hadn't focused their attention on it, then they wouldn't be what they are.
Not to say I’m psychic or have psychic powers or anything – but what I am saying is “if you feel the energy around you is off there a good chance it is”.
For instance, going back one week. I had walked out – really more or less forced out of my job one week from last Thursday (January 24, 2008). I don’t think I explained what went down to the point of bringing closer to it. So, I’m going to vent for a minute, I new for a long time the energy at Oaktown - Maingate wasn’t right for me – but I never used it as an excuse not to get along with everyone.
Anyways around 12:000pm that Thursday my manager (Domanic) asked me to come to the office were we met our boss (Tony). They went on to explain they needed two painters at this location and my service as a Prepper would no longer be required but they do have an opening in Richmond Hill that requires a Prepper. To make a long story short, I told my boss by him asking me to work in Richmond Hill lacked integrity considering he never stopped to ask me if I had any experience as a painting.
He then asked me “if that was his fault” I waited then answered yes, because when you needed some light bodywork competed you were impressed to see the extent of my experience so, you could of found out the extent of my paint experience before bringing in a new painter.
He replied by saying “that is the REALITY OF BUSINESS. When he said that I felt very emotional those words is like “the get out of jail card in the game of Monopoly, it allows you to by pass a situation of unduly circumstances or integrity with out feeling guilty”. I replied by saying no, that is your reality of business because you’re the boss and you could of created a different reality.
I went on to say, “It is this, reality of business that is hurting our industry and why kids don’t what to come in it”.
“The reality of business in the auto collision industry needs to be deeply studied. The impact it has had on its participants and its future outlook would make for a good article or blog session”.
I new right there and then my days working for Assured Automotive was finished and my boss new that too, even through he asked me to give it some consideration. I also felt something ells was stopping me from giving the offer in Richmond Hill a go…anyways the energy at work was off so within half hour of realizing my fate I was packing my tools and saying my good byes.
The following week it all came to light, the Tuesday the extension pipe and muffler on my vehicle fell off and on Friday there was a snow storm – both events would of prevented me from going to Richmond Hill to work.
So, I went with my instincts and didn’t continue to operate in a negative environment, escaped a big headache of trekking to work in Richmond Hill and the real up side to the week before was having the free time to plan my vision of a unified auto collision industry.
There are lots of books, CD’s, tapes, and articles out on the market tapping into the power of the universe. We all have some form of limited awareness of this power or energy. We possess an energy field around use that can be felt and recognized by negative and positive energy or good and bad energy. These energy fields can only coexist around each other for a limited time before there is a reaction of some sort.
How real are these energy fields? Well I’ve always had an altered state of mind when my energy field is off kilt. Call it paranoia or intuition, I do now realize something is going to happen or needs to be done when the energy around me is less than powerful.
Couple of years ago a DVD called the SECRET was circulating the globe and I came about it through a friend. I must say it’s very interesting that I happened to come across this DVD because it’s around the same time my interest was starting to peak on universal energy.
I watch the DVD with an open mind and what I got from it was, no matter what you desire out of life by being authentic and channeling your energy towards your desire, dream or passion it will become a reality.
As I was writing this blog I started to search the Internet for content on universal energy and came across this information that mirrored my thoughts.
Connecting with Universal Energy.
This hidden power is available to those who recognize and accept that there is a higher realm of knowing and communication beyond their own physical bodies. The universe is full of this unlimited energy that can be tapped by almost anyone who will make the effort to focus and tune themselves to its subtle vibrations.
These vibrations are not just for the so called 'gifted' persons, but for everyone who makes the effort to learn its secrets. Most all psychic people are that because they recognized the signs of this energy and focused their attention on its workings which is the very thing that is required in order to develop it. If they hadn't focused their attention on it, then they wouldn't be what they are.
Not to say I’m psychic or have psychic powers or anything – but what I am saying is “if you feel the energy around you is off there a good chance it is”.
For instance, going back one week. I had walked out – really more or less forced out of my job one week from last Thursday (January 24, 2008). I don’t think I explained what went down to the point of bringing closer to it. So, I’m going to vent for a minute, I new for a long time the energy at Oaktown - Maingate wasn’t right for me – but I never used it as an excuse not to get along with everyone.
Anyways around 12:000pm that Thursday my manager (Domanic) asked me to come to the office were we met our boss (Tony). They went on to explain they needed two painters at this location and my service as a Prepper would no longer be required but they do have an opening in Richmond Hill that requires a Prepper. To make a long story short, I told my boss by him asking me to work in Richmond Hill lacked integrity considering he never stopped to ask me if I had any experience as a painting.
He then asked me “if that was his fault” I waited then answered yes, because when you needed some light bodywork competed you were impressed to see the extent of my experience so, you could of found out the extent of my paint experience before bringing in a new painter.
He replied by saying “that is the REALITY OF BUSINESS. When he said that I felt very emotional those words is like “the get out of jail card in the game of Monopoly, it allows you to by pass a situation of unduly circumstances or integrity with out feeling guilty”. I replied by saying no, that is your reality of business because you’re the boss and you could of created a different reality.
I went on to say, “It is this, reality of business that is hurting our industry and why kids don’t what to come in it”.
“The reality of business in the auto collision industry needs to be deeply studied. The impact it has had on its participants and its future outlook would make for a good article or blog session”.
I new right there and then my days working for Assured Automotive was finished and my boss new that too, even through he asked me to give it some consideration. I also felt something ells was stopping me from giving the offer in Richmond Hill a go…anyways the energy at work was off so within half hour of realizing my fate I was packing my tools and saying my good byes.
The following week it all came to light, the Tuesday the extension pipe and muffler on my vehicle fell off and on Friday there was a snow storm – both events would of prevented me from going to Richmond Hill to work.
So, I went with my instincts and didn’t continue to operate in a negative environment, escaped a big headache of trekking to work in Richmond Hill and the real up side to the week before was having the free time to plan my vision of a unified auto collision industry.
Friday, February 1, 2008
CCIF Conclusion
1:00 Low VOC Conversion Update Facing Reality and Being Proactive is introduced by Jim Quick (Canadian Paint and Coating Association) starting of the evening talking about The Industries Campaign for a Orderly Conversion.
CPCA-Canadian Paint and Coating Association is the national trade association for the paint and coatings industry - founded in 1913
The council is comprised of the five global paint players
Akzo Nobel, BASF, DuPont, PPG, Sherwin-Williams
The VOC - Volatile Organic Chemicals environment reduction compliance is a big task for industry, fueled by public demand and mandated by government.
1:45 the presentation switched to The Future of DRP, with 5 participants going on the podium two representing the insurance industry and three representing the repairers. The topic of main discussion was Simplifying and Standardizing DRPs.
I got a much better insight on the relationship between repairer and insurer. They appear to have a tentative respect for each other with a very gray area of understanding that they have a mutual incentive (consumers vehicles).
The repairers require more standardization and clarity when it comes to several insurers’ estimate manual guidelines. It makes it a confusing and daunting day-to-day task when repairer must refer to different program guidelines for identical collision situations.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacture and LKQ – Like Kind Quality Parts
OEM Parts Example
The Economical Insurance Group
When a damaged part is beyond repair original equipment manufactured parts must be used on vehicles within 24 months from the date of purchase.
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
If required, OEM parts must be used on vehicles that are two model years or newer, or if purchased new by the policyholder/claimant, vehicles that are within 24 months of the date of purchase.
Drafted Combined Version
When parts are damaged beyond economical repair and must be replaced, Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) must be used on vehicles that are within 24 months of the date of manufactured or with less that 40,000km.
It seems to me that repairers need to be litigation lawyers to comprehend the different underwriting styles insurance companies prioritize. Its very simple, insurance companies need to unify and standardize their program guidelines, allowing for a more comprehensive and streamlined collision operation, thus increase overall productivity for all involved.
2:30 they announced a half hour Coffee Break and after the break 3:00 they were supposed to introduce Mark Claypool (Verifacts Automotive), who was presenting Attracting, Training and Retaining the workforce of Tomorrow. This presentation was supposed to be the highlight of my afternoon; it probably was the only reason I was still at the meeting. But nothing, no mention of a cancellation or rearranged agenda, nothing!!!!!
Instead Larry Jefferies (Executive VP of Carstar Automotive Canada) and former chair of CCIF, addressed the remaining hundred plus guest on a very important and dear to him initiative. The WorldSkills Competition that will be held in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
The World is coming to Calgary!
Calgary will host the 40th WorldSkills Competition, marking its second time in Canada (1999, Montreal) and third time only in North America (1981, Atlanta). The Calgary Competition is proposed for September 1st to 14th, 2009, with competition dates scheduled from September 1st to 6th, 2009.
There will be three (3) scheduled competition events coming from the auto collision industry:
· Autobody Repair
· Automobile Technology
· Car Painting
Jefferies feels very passionate about having Ontario represented at all levels of auto repair competition heading towards the WorldSkills and stands firm in seeing this imitative come to light.
I remain very cynical, “it does matter who speaking” when I here “we need or this is a great opportunity to attract apprentices” at the most part kids, students, not yet started out in the real world of working, without first providing them (apprentice) with an industry of destination and cultivation for their future growth is shattering to me.
I believe all participants, tech, repairer, insurance, government and supplier must take responsibility to retain and foster workers (Apprentice and Techs) before inviting them into an industry without internal human resources.
The issue in this auto collision industry (local or global) isn’t the inability to attract new comers; it’s the inability to preserve them…thus creating an unfavorable profile.
If participants in this industry have the capabilities to plan and implement Worldskills, Watrerborn, IBIS and CCIF industry initiatives, then a human resource program is a matter of will and foresight.
In conclusion to my first CCIF and industry Meeting…
Even though the last two weeks as “I have blogged” has been a test of my fortitude, it opened my eyes up to a world of creative and dedicated possibilities. The courage to know I can express a vision of unification throughout my industry and push forth my mission for a human resource program that will take this auto collision industry beyond its charted barriers.
CPCA-Canadian Paint and Coating Association is the national trade association for the paint and coatings industry - founded in 1913
The council is comprised of the five global paint players
Akzo Nobel, BASF, DuPont, PPG, Sherwin-Williams
The VOC - Volatile Organic Chemicals environment reduction compliance is a big task for industry, fueled by public demand and mandated by government.
1:45 the presentation switched to The Future of DRP, with 5 participants going on the podium two representing the insurance industry and three representing the repairers. The topic of main discussion was Simplifying and Standardizing DRPs.
I got a much better insight on the relationship between repairer and insurer. They appear to have a tentative respect for each other with a very gray area of understanding that they have a mutual incentive (consumers vehicles).
The repairers require more standardization and clarity when it comes to several insurers’ estimate manual guidelines. It makes it a confusing and daunting day-to-day task when repairer must refer to different program guidelines for identical collision situations.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacture and LKQ – Like Kind Quality Parts
OEM Parts Example
The Economical Insurance Group
When a damaged part is beyond repair original equipment manufactured parts must be used on vehicles within 24 months from the date of purchase.
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
If required, OEM parts must be used on vehicles that are two model years or newer, or if purchased new by the policyholder/claimant, vehicles that are within 24 months of the date of purchase.
Drafted Combined Version
When parts are damaged beyond economical repair and must be replaced, Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) must be used on vehicles that are within 24 months of the date of manufactured or with less that 40,000km.
It seems to me that repairers need to be litigation lawyers to comprehend the different underwriting styles insurance companies prioritize. Its very simple, insurance companies need to unify and standardize their program guidelines, allowing for a more comprehensive and streamlined collision operation, thus increase overall productivity for all involved.
2:30 they announced a half hour Coffee Break and after the break 3:00 they were supposed to introduce Mark Claypool (Verifacts Automotive), who was presenting Attracting, Training and Retaining the workforce of Tomorrow. This presentation was supposed to be the highlight of my afternoon; it probably was the only reason I was still at the meeting. But nothing, no mention of a cancellation or rearranged agenda, nothing!!!!!
Instead Larry Jefferies (Executive VP of Carstar Automotive Canada) and former chair of CCIF, addressed the remaining hundred plus guest on a very important and dear to him initiative. The WorldSkills Competition that will be held in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
The World is coming to Calgary!
Calgary will host the 40th WorldSkills Competition, marking its second time in Canada (1999, Montreal) and third time only in North America (1981, Atlanta). The Calgary Competition is proposed for September 1st to 14th, 2009, with competition dates scheduled from September 1st to 6th, 2009.
There will be three (3) scheduled competition events coming from the auto collision industry:
· Autobody Repair
· Automobile Technology
· Car Painting
Jefferies feels very passionate about having Ontario represented at all levels of auto repair competition heading towards the WorldSkills and stands firm in seeing this imitative come to light.
I remain very cynical, “it does matter who speaking” when I here “we need or this is a great opportunity to attract apprentices” at the most part kids, students, not yet started out in the real world of working, without first providing them (apprentice) with an industry of destination and cultivation for their future growth is shattering to me.
I believe all participants, tech, repairer, insurance, government and supplier must take responsibility to retain and foster workers (Apprentice and Techs) before inviting them into an industry without internal human resources.
The issue in this auto collision industry (local or global) isn’t the inability to attract new comers; it’s the inability to preserve them…thus creating an unfavorable profile.
If participants in this industry have the capabilities to plan and implement Worldskills, Watrerborn, IBIS and CCIF industry initiatives, then a human resource program is a matter of will and foresight.
In conclusion to my first CCIF and industry Meeting…
Even though the last two weeks as “I have blogged” has been a test of my fortitude, it opened my eyes up to a world of creative and dedicated possibilities. The courage to know I can express a vision of unification throughout my industry and push forth my mission for a human resource program that will take this auto collision industry beyond its charted barriers.
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