From apprentice to instructor: A journey in collision repair with Andreas Roth
Starting in a family shop and officially entering the trade in 2013, Andreas Roth’s career has grown through hands-on experience, formal training, and national competitions. Now an I-CAR Canada instructor, he focuses on keeping technicians current in an industry that is constantly evolving with new technologies and repair standards.
Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
After high school, I went on a journey to find a trade that would fulfill me and help me financially support my family. I worked in many areas, from cabinetry, stone fabrication, long-haul trucking, and even in retail and the food industry. Still, I always strived to get into the automotive sector. Finally, in 2013, I could afford to go to school and take a 10-month Collision Repair and Refinish Certificate program. It offered a compressed and upfront delivery of the entire scope of the trade. After completing that training, I was able to gain employment as an apprentice and have been in the industry ever since. During the course of my apprenticeship, I competed at SkillsBC to win Gold and at the national level and placed Bronze at SkillsCanada 2017.
What would you say is the importance of continued collision training?
The collision industry is a fluid, ever-changing, and evolving industry. Repairs done one way, even as little as five years ago, must be done differently today. With the rapid increase in regulations and technologies, technicians, estimators and managers must shift into an adaptive and always-learning mindset. I am committed to providing the most up-to-date content and techniques, and teaching learning strategies and procedures for technicians to apply so they can ensure they are always following the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recommended repair procedures. Learning new skills, such as repair procedures and techniques, is crucial.
Why should technicians and companies consider I-CAR Canada training?
I-CAR Canada is providing industry-standard training and certification. We can cooperate with OEMs, tool manufacturers, and training providers nationwide and beyond. We are proud to train individuals who uphold the standards of this industry.
What is the most important aspect of being an I-CAR Canada instructor?
The most important aspect is being able to add value to each individual. Whether it be existing technicians or managers, or by shedding light on career paths for new and upcoming individuals, I always aim to make it easier and more profitable by knowing the right way to tackle an obstacle. Repair procedures are key, as are equipment knowledge and skills. And that is where I come in; I am focused on listening to any concern or constraint a technician might have and then connecting them with a solution.
About I-CAR Canada
I-CAR is an international organization dedicated to providing the information required to perform complete, safe, and quality auto repairs.
I-CAR Canada is a training and recognition program run by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), a not-for-profit organization representing, supporting and leading innovation in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector.
Aimed at up-skilling tradespeople in the collision industry, I-CAR training has been available in Canada since 1979 and has been operated by AIA Canada since 2010.