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Just over a decade ago, Bridgerland Technical College in Logan, UT, received the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 2010 Makeover Grant.

The school’s collision repair education program was awarded more than $50,000 in upgraded tools, equipment and supplies, and, in addition, CREF was able to provide more than $125,000 in donations through the industry’s generosity.

Yet the most valuable asset Bridgerland acquired came in the form of relationships developed with industry professionals and the sustained professional shop environment that has served to attract high-quality students to the program.

When Bridgerland first received the award, Kevin Cornia, instructor and department head of Bridgerland’s auto collision program, predicted, “We’re going to update our program with lots of tools and equipment to help us provide the best education possible. A makeover grant like this allows us to have updated and more sophisticated equipment to better train our students. I believe we will end up painting our shop through donations of paint. Essentially, our shop is going to look a lot different, and our collision repair program will actually go through a makeover.”

And that’s exactly what happened.

Being recognized by CREF yielded immediate benefits; as soon as CREF announced Bridgerland was the 2010 Makeover Grant winner, the school received a $4,500 plasma cutter, donated by a local welding company. Over the following months, donations rolled in, fulfilling the school’s wish list of tools and equipment not covered by the program’s budget.

Through the industry’s generosity, Bridgerland was able to take its strong auto collision program and propel it to the next level.

“We used the donations to update our frame rack, laser measuring system, welders and items that we needed to update our program,” recalled Cornia. “In addition to utilizing all the equipment we received from the grant, we’ve continued to build on it each year, allowing us to train our students on the most up-to-date industrial equipment. Being able to educate these future technicians on the most current and advanced equipment used in the industry helps them succeed in the collision industry after graduation.”

Bridgerland has continued teaching I-CAR curriculum since receiving CREF’s 2010 Makeover Grant, but the award also allowed

the school to “develop great relationships with industry professionals, which has allowed us to host training from 3M, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and PPG, as well as CHIEF pulling and measuring classes. This would not have been possible before we received the grant from CREF.”

With the industry’s donations, Bridgerland’s student lab also received a refreshed coat of paint on the walls and a fresh epoxy floor coating by painting the shop and recoating the floors. The department’s appearance made an immediate impact on school staff, who appreciated the investment in the program, but more importantly, “the updated visual aspect of the shop made an impression on potential students when they explored our program,” Cornia said.

“We’ve had a tremendous response from students, and we currently have a waiting list for our auto collision program,” he continued. “The many layers of assistance and support we’ve received as a 2010 Makeover Grant winner has helped to boost our enrollment and placement. The lasting impact has been impressive, and Bridgerland students will continue to reap the benefits for years to come.”

While an updated appearance, along with modern tools and equipment, certainly helps to attract students to Bridgerland’s auto collision program, the industry’s involvement carries more weight than simply the surface value of the donated items— when local industry professionals invest time and energy into students by joining advisory committees and taking on apprentices, future technicians can envision their future in an industry dedicated to their success.

CREF’s mission aligns around these efforts, and Cornia believes CREF plays a critical role in supporting the next generation of industry professionals. “Students are the future of the collision repair industry. The students taught by your local schools will become the industry’s next collision technicians,” he said. “When the programs’ instructors are able to teach students on modern equipment, when we’re able to teach the most innovative ideas and products, this ensures that we are shaping the industry’s future in the right way, that we’re educating students who will become excellent entry-level technicians.”

Of course, schools aren’t the only ones in this equation who face budgetary constraints, and Cornia noted, “The Collision Repair Education Foundation also makes it possible for students with financial challenges to be able to afford to continue in school programs. The foundation facilitates the industry’s generosity by finding those who are willing to help by offering grants to students that stand out in the industry or struggle financially. CREF’s efforts makes the collision industry stronger!”

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact us at info@ed-foundation.org.

For information on how to donate to programs supported by CREF, visit www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Source: CREF

SCA Claim Services has firmly staked its claim as a leader in the claim servicing industry. For more than 40 years, the company has expanded its nationwide capabilities, providing a broad menu of services to insurance companies, most notably adjusting and appraisal services in the auto, specialty, and property verticals.

Now a well-known and highly respected name among insurance professionals everywhere, SCA has become a prime destination for people possessed with the entrepreneurial spirit and seeking new opportunities to apply their skills and expertise.

That includes many auto body professionals.

Taking Ownership of Your Future

Erik Clayton was once a body shop estimator. In 2009 however he made the career decision to become a contract auto damage appraiser for SCA. After just a few months, recognizing an even greater opportunity, he became an SCA franchise owner in Dallas County. Just six months later, he added North Dallas County too.

“I saw the opportunity to make more money,” says Clayton. Another major draw was being his own boss. “You work for yourself and make your own schedule. You get out of the building and the monotony of it all. Every day in the field is different.”

What makes the Franchise Ownership Program at SCA special is the company’s commitment to its franchisees’ success. “At SCA we say, ‘As a franchise owner, you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’” says Chief Operating Officer Jon Gironda.

“SCA gives you all the tools you need to be successful,” agrees Clayton. “And they are always adding new clients.”

SCA offers franchise owners not just initial training but ongoing partnership and support. That includes file reviews by its fully licensed, centralized Quality Control team, dedicated Customer Care teams, and technology to help provide industry-leading accuracy and cycle time.

For more details on becoming a SCA franchise owner, visit SCAClaims.com/franchise-opportunities/

Being Your Own Boss

Franchise ownership isn’t for everyone with the itch to pursue a career change. Many auto body professionals have instead decided to put down their tools and pick up a phone or tablet to become a contract auto appraiser.

Skills acquired in the shop easily translate into insurance auto damage appraisal, and when it comes to the necessary education and certification, SCA offers guidance and support. In select markets, SCA will even pay a signing bonus to contract auto damage appraisers.

Contract auto damage appraisers can set their own hours and decide how much they want to work, and therefore how much they can earn.

The workforce in the auto claims industry is aging out of the business, creating a need to infuse it with fresh blood. Auto body professionals eager to be their own boss and chart their own course are recognizing this and the opportunity SCA provides. Ambitious appraisers can pursue additional training in specialty or housing claims to truly stretch their earning potential or, like Clayton, purchase their own SCA franchise.

Additional details about becoming an auto appraiser for SCA can be found at SCAClaims.com/appraiser-opportunities/