I-CAR Unveils Mixed Reality Repair Training Series
I-CAR has announced plans to introduce a mixed reality repair planning training series for estimators and repair planners working toward ProLevel 2 recognition. The programme forms part of the organisation’s wider efforts to enhance training methods through advanced technologies and structured learning experiences.
The new series is intended to equip participants possessing essential repair-planning process skills to support consistent, high-quality repair outcomes. According to the announcement, completion of this training will become a requirement for the renewal of Gold Class and Platinum recognition statuses from July 2027, denoting a change in how professional standards are maintained within the sector.
Scheduled to open for enrolment in early 2027, the mixed reality repair planning training series places learners in an interactive environment. In this virtual environment, they can practise and apply core repair planning processes. These processes are associated with numerous operational factors, including repair quality, workshop efficiency, cycle time, and customer contentment. The training environment is structured to simulate real-world conditions, allowing participants to develop practical skills in a controlled setting.
The programme is part of I-CAR’s multi-year investment in advanced learning technologies. It is delivered through a mixed-reality platform created to provide immersive, hands-on training. Participants will have the option to use virtual reality headsets for a fully immersive session or access the training via tablet or computer devices. This approach is consistent with the organisation’s stated objective of ensuring that educational resources remain accessible while remaining relevant to industry needs.
The development of the series has been guided by the Industry Knowledge and Skills Protocol, which outlines the competencies required for effective repair planning. It has also been informed by pilot testing and feedback from industry stakeholders. Repair planning is identified as a fundamental element of the repair process, encompassing estimating accuracy, thorough damage analysis, and conformance to original equipment manufacturer procedures.
The introduction of mixed reality technology demonstrates ongoing changes within the automotive repair industry, where vehicles and repair procedures are becoming increasingly complex. The training intends to address these developments by providing an organised framework for professionals to improve their technical and analytical competencies.
The series is designed to support estimators and repair planners in improving confidence and accuracy when assessing vehicle damage and determining repair approaches. By combining technological tools with established training methods, the programme seeks to reinforce best practices and promote harmonisation in repair planning.
I-CAR has indicated that the initiative is part of its broader vision to enhance training outcomes that ultimately benefit consumers. The emphasis on hands-on learning and practice is intended to bridge the divide between theoretical expertise and practical application, ensuring that professionals are better prepared to meet evolving industry standards.
The deployment timeline places the training’s availability in early 2027, with mandatory adoption for certain recognition renewals following later that year. This phased introduction allows time for industry participants to familiarise themselves with the new format and integrate it into their professional development pathways.
The mixed reality repair planning training series represents a progression of I-CAR’s efforts to modernise its curriculum and respond to changes in vehicle technology and repair procedures. By incorporating mixed reality elements into its training offerings, the organisation aims to deliver a more interactive and efficient learning experience whilst maintaining compliance with established industry protocols.
