Building better repairs through continuous learning: Spotlight on Patrick Marcotte

With nearly 30 years of experience in collision repair, Patrick Marcotte has built a career rooted in craftsmanship, continuous learning and industry leadership. As an auto body repair teacher, I-CAR Canada instructor and founder of Carrostra Solutions, he is passionate about helping technicians develop the skills needed to meet the demands of today’s evolving repair environment. We spoke with Marcotte about his career journey, the importance of ongoing training and the value of investing in professional development. 

How long have you been in the industry? 

I have been in the collision repair industry since 1997, when I completed my auto body repair diploma. Over nearly 30 years, I have worked on a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and aircraft. I have also gained experience in automotive sales and the film industry, but collision repair has always remained at the heart of my career. 

My passion has always been the body repair side of the trade: the hands-on work, precision and satisfaction of restoring a vehicle to its proper condition. 

Today, I am completing my fourth year as an auto body repair teacher in vocational training and will begin my fifth year in July. Teaching allows me to share my industry experience and help prepare the next generation of collision repair technicians. 

Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?  

Yes, in a way. When I was younger, I dreamed of owning a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge. That dream sparked my interest in the auto body trade because I wanted to learn how to restore one myself. I knew that mastering the craft would give me the skills to bring a classic vehicle back to life. 

I have always been hands-on, resourceful and eager to learn. When something interests me, I enjoy understanding how it works and developing the skills to do it well. While I handle my own basic vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and brakes, my true passion has always been auto body repair. I enjoy the precision of the repair process and the challenge of restoring a vehicle’s shape, structure and appearance. 

What would you say is the importance of continued collision training?  

Continued collision training is essential in today’s industry. Vehicles have evolved significantly over the years, with new materials, repair methods, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) procedures, advanced driver assistance systems and technologies becoming standard. 

While experience is valuable, it must be supported by current knowledge and repair practices. Even experienced technicians need ongoing training to ensure their skills align with today’s repair requirements and manufacturer standards. 

Most importantly, every repaired vehicle returns to the road carrying drivers and passengers who depend on its safety. Understanding proper repair procedures and techniques is critical to restoring vehicles correctly and maintaining the level of protection they were designed to provide. Continued training helps ensure quality repairs, improved safety and greater professionalism across the industry. 

Why should technicians and companies consider I-CAR Canada training?  

When I first had access to I-CAR Canada training, I felt like I was learning all over again. It reignited a passion that, at one point in my career, had slowed down a little. I was learning new things, understanding certain procedures better, and I felt that I was becoming a more qualified and confident technician. 

For a technician, this training brings confidence, structure and real recognition in the industry. It helps technicians understand not only how to perform certain repairs, but also why specific procedures must be followed. 

For a repair facility, it is just as important. A diploma or basic trade training allows someone to enter the industry, but the reality of a modern collision repair facility requires constant updating. I-CAR Canada adds an essential technical foundation that supports repair quality, reduces errors and helps prepare shops for the expectations of insurers, networks and OEM certification programs. 

This same vision is also what led me to develop Carrostra Solutions, where I support collision repair facilities in their technical progression, training structure and development toward higher standards. 

In my opinion, I-CAR Canada training should be part of the standard for any collision repair facility that respects its employees, its partners and its customers. 

What is the most important aspect of being an I-CAR Canada instructor?  

For me, the most important aspect is credibility. An instructor must be able to explain clearly, demonstrate properly and help technicians understand the reason behind the training. Technicians need to know that the person teaching them understands the realities of the shop floor. 

Before becoming a teacher, I was already an I-CAR Canada Triple Platinum technician, so I know first-hand what training can offer someone who wants to grow in this trade. 

A good instructor needs strong technical knowledge, practical experience, and an understanding of the best practices, common mistakes, and key elements of the repair process. Patience is also essential because everyone learns at a different pace. As a vocational teacher, I have learned that knowing the material is one thing, but being able to pass it effectively is another. 

Technicians are demanding, and rightfully so. They want to learn from someone who understands their work, respects their experience, and can build trust through knowledge, preparation, and clear communication. 

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.