SKILLS INSTITUTE KEEPS PACE WITH NEW CAR REPAIRS

Monday, 22 October 2012 - 10:27am

The Skills Institute has introduced a new Motor Body short course that teaches both theory and practical skills in the repair of newer vehicles.

“The increased use of high strength steels (HSS) in vehicles is one of the most talked about topics in the autobody repair industry,” Skills Institute Motor Body Teacher Bill Scully said.

“There has been some concern about the different skills needed to ensure safe repairs of these vehicles, and The Skills Institute has moved to address those skills gaps through its new short course.”

The General Manager of the Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, Malcolm Little, said vehicle manufacturers were building today’s vehicles to exacting standards to comply with safety and environmental regulations. This is achieved with the use of structural materials including various high strength steels, aluminium, plastics and composites.  

“Today it is becoming increasingly difficult to return an accident damaged vehicle to the road and maintain the structural integrity to the manufacturers’ specifications because of the nature of the construction materials, the repair method and specialised welding equipment and techniques,” he said.  

“The consequences of an incorrect repair in another accident could be significant.

“The TACC recommends all body repair businesses and staff keep abreast of the changing technology.

“The Skills Institute has an important role in providing training and upskilling the existing work force.”

The one-day course has already been held twice in Devonport and will be held in Hobart today. All courses have been over-subscribed, with vehicle repairers making enquiries about future courses next year.

The course, New Generation Steels for the Automotive Industry, aims to provide a practical understanding of new generation materials and processes in accordance with vehicle manufacturer’s specification and repair procedures.

The course includes:

  • Steels used in today’s modern vehicles;
  • Today’s metals and their properties; and
  • Evolution in steels and future repair methods.

The course has been supported by Car-o-Liner Australia, a worldwide supplier of repair equipment which helped develop the course, and Ford Australia, which donated High Strength Steel B Pillar components to enable the practical training.

“Ford engineers and manufactures vehicles to be smart, safe and reliable,” Cheryl McKenzie, Corporate Reputation Associate, Public Affairs Department at Ford Australia, says.

“To ensure these standards are maintained through the life of a Ford, it is important that any repairs carried out are done so at the highest standard.

“Keeping the automotive repair industry upskilled and up-to-date on the latest vehicle designs is a critical to ensure any repairs to a vehicle are carried out to the same high standard customers have come to expect from a Ford.”