St. Paul, Minnesota — Collision Repair magazine had the privilege of being the exclusive Canadian media at the grand opening of 3M’s groundbreaking Skills Development Center (SDC) in St. Paul, Minnesota, held on October 11. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for professional repairer and educator training, addressing the industry-wide need for advanced training as well as the technician shortage.
The SDC features a spacious classroom equipped with advanced tools and equipment, providing an immersive and effective learning environment. However, the real action takes place in the expansive shop area, which includes a 35-foot paint booth, Pro-Spot welding stations, and a comprehensive suite of equipment.
“The training philosophy revolves around the ‘science of why,’ ensuring trainees understand the rationale behind repair techniques. By emphasizing OEM recommendations as the foundation for these techniques, the SDC reinforces industry standards,” according to Victoria Eggleston, 3M’s Global Operations Manager who was a key force in guiding her team turning the concept into a reality.
In light of the swiftly evolving landscape of vehicle technology, the impending shortage of technicians, and the growing demand for standardized training, Eggleston underscores the pivotal role the SDC plays in bridging this crucial gap in the industry.
“The new 3M Skills Development Center represents our commitment to advancing the collision repair industry,” said Dave Gunderson, President of the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We’re thrilled to provide collision repair staff with access to real-world experts and the latest training processes to enhance their skills and knowledge.”
Programs at the SDC cover both paint/refinish and body programs, catering to professional repairers, new technicians, and vocational instructors. This comprehensive training fills a crucial gap in the industry, given the evolving vehicle technology landscape and the impending technician shortage.
“With a worldwide shortage of qualified technicians and increasingly complex vehicles being manufactured, 3M opened the SDC to bring awareness to the employment opportunities available in the industry, help instructors and technicians keep up with the latest technologies, and ensure they are trained to repair vehicles properly,” said 3M Canadian President, Penny Wise.
During the grand opening event, attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and hear how one OEM develops repair processes by Kelly Logan, Director of Certified Collision Repair Program at Rivian.
“Collaboration between OEMs and the collision repair industry is vital for ensuring safe and effective repairs on electric vehicles,” Logan added. “It’s an honour to share our insights and contribute to the advancement of the industry through events like this.”
Guests also embarked on an immersive tour of the centre, witnessing demonstrations of key training processes and gaining a firsthand understanding of the importance of continuous learning in the collision repair industry.
“Our dedicated team of instructors at the centre are passionate about equipping collision repair professionals with the tools they need to excel,” said Jason Scharton, Senior Manager of Global Expertise Delivery at 3M. “The SDC is a hub for continuous learning and innovation in the industry.”
The event continued at the 3M Customer Innovation Center, including a media Q&A session and an exclusive luncheon with Dave Gunderson, Jason Scharton, Victoria Eggleston, and Stacee Royce, 3M Vice President of R&D.
According to Craig Jalbert, 3M Canada Division Leader of the Automotive Aftermarket Division,”It has become increasingly evident our industry is lacking technician recruitment and retention. 3M took notice, and to help grapple this growing issue we invested in this innovative facility to focus on the development of current and future collision repair technicians.”
The Open House at the Skills Development Center showcases 3M’s commitment to innovation and collaboration within the industry, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for collision repair professionals and new entrants. As the SDC continues to expand its training offerings, it will play a crucial role in equipping repairers with the skills needed in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
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One Response
Well executed information short video on 3M. Excellent work