Aiding in the advancement of the collision sector: Douglas White
With over 30 years in the industry, I-CAR Canada instructor Douglas White has dedicated his career to advancing collision repair education. Starting in 1993, his passion for vehicles led him down the collision path, where he developed deep expertise. As an instructor, he helps technicians stay ahead of evolving repair techniques, advanced materials, and industry regulations. Through I-CAR Canada training, Douglas empowers professionals to enhance their skills, achieve certifications, and drive meaningful workplace change. His commitment to education ensures the next generation of technicians remains at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry.
Douglas White, I-CAR Canada
Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
Yes— I have always been interested in vehicles and their mechanics. However, for my high school work experience, I was offered a position in the collision sector. I thoroughly enjoyed it and ended up going down the collision path instead.
What would you say is the importance of continued collision training?
The most important aspect of continuous collision training is to stay ahead in the collision industry; businesses must adapt to new technology, repair methods, and consumer needs. Advanced materials, safety systems, and electric vehicles (EVs) require ongoing training and modern tools.
Why should technicians and companies consider I-CAR Canada training?
Companies and business owners should invest in their technicians to ensure they understand the changes the collision sector is experiencing. I-CAR Canada training is essential for technicians to understand some possible changes within today’s complex repairs.
Enrolling their staff in training courses will help them stay in tune and updated with ongoing changes, some rules and mandatories we face daily, and in some cases, bring back some ideas to help their location grow and become their community’s number one source of collision needs.
Additionally, technicians should be willing to enroll in and attend courses to help them grow and advance in their careers. I-CAR Canada courses are full of information that will help them understand and develop some skills to help them stay at the front of this ever-evolving technical industry we are in. Each I-CAR Canada Platinum role achieved brings a new possible original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certification and possible implementation to actual change within their place of employment.
What is the most important aspect of being an I-CAR Canada instructor?
I genuinely enjoy delivering training material to industry peers eager to advance their careers while investing in their personal growth as industry individuals.
It is a great feeling to see a student start fresh, and then they announce it is their last class and thank you for helping them achieve their platinum role. Sometimes, they express they are now a top contributor at their place of employment for the new OEM certification they have been focused on acquiring. It is incredibly rewarding.
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.