Elevating industry standards: Randy Sandhu on training, technology, and safe repairs
With over four decades of experience in the collision repair industry, Randy Sandhu has witnessed the evolution of automotive technology firsthand. From his early days in the United Kingdom (UK) to his current role as an I-CAR Canada instructor, his passion for vehicles has never wavered. Learn more about Randy’s journey into the industry, the critical importance of continuous training, and why staying aligned with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards is essential to deliver complete, safe, quality repairs today.
Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
I always had a passion for anything automotive related from a young age. Growing up in the 1980s, I spent countless weekends at racetracks across the UK, watching the excitement of the British Touring Car Championship and following the thrills of Auto Rallying. These early experiences deeply inspired me—not just the speed and competition but also the craftsmanship, precision, and engineering behind every vehicle. Being around that helped solidify my career goals and ignited a strong desire to steer myself toward a profession in auto collision repair, where I was able to combine my love for cars with hands-on problem-solving and technical skills.
What would you say is the importance of continued collision training?
The biggest priority is staying up-to-date and fully understanding OEMs’ changes to vehicle construction and design. This ensures every technician remains well-educated, properly trained, and equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to perform safe, accurate, and OEM-compliant repairs on today’s increasingly complex and technologically advanced vehicles.
Why should technicians and companies consider I-CAR Canada training?
I-CAR has been a world leader in delivering up-to-date information on vehicle repairs for years. Technicians and companies from across the country taking I-CAR Canada training can be assured they are receiving the most up-to-date repair information from the standards set by the OEMs.
What is the most important aspect of being an I-CAR Canada instructor?
Helping technicians understand the importance of repairing vehicles to a high standard in alignment with OEM procedures is critical. This includes emphasizing the value of following manufacturer guidelines and actively sharing up-to-date techniques, repair strategies, and technical information to ensure technicians are confident, capable, and consistently performing safe, precise, and compliant repairs across all vehicle types.
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.