I-CAR to show off VR training at the 2024 SEMA Show
I-CAR recently went back to the 2024 SEMA Show for the 15th year in a row to show off its latest developments in accident repair education and training for pros in the field. The company took a big step into the digital age by showing off a new virtual reality (VR) training experience that is meant to improve hands-on skills without any risk.
The VR training, which is still being worked on, aims to make advanced learning easier to reach and speed up the process of learning new skills. This technology lets techs practice important skills without any risks by simulating real-life fix situations. This builds their confidence and ability to solve problems. The VR platform gives techs the tools they need to fix complicated problems faster and more correctly.
Arianna Sherlock, I-CAR’s Associate Vice President of Marketing, talked about the possibilities of VR in training. She said that I-CAR is working hard to provide realistic, hands-on learning experiences online. At SEMA, there were high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) repair models based on I-CAR’s EV cart, which has different parts that work like real EV systems. This set-up gives techs a safe place to learn about the ins and outs of EV technology, testing, and repair methods.
While at the SEMA Show, people who tried out the VR experience had the unique chance to use what they had learnt right away on a real EV cart. This hands-on method lets users get immediate feedback, which lets them judge their performance and see how VR training directly helped them.
In a recent news release, I-CAR also stressed that adding VR training to its full program and delivery methods makes the learning process better for both techs and shop owners. According to Elizabeth Prosser, Senior Marketing Manager at I-CAR, the company plans to give more VR-based lessons in the near future.
Aside from the VR showcase, visitors could check out the brand-new I-CAR Academy and the updated myI-CAR digital platform. The prestigious New Product Award in the Collision Repair & Refinish category was given to I-CAR Academy earlier in the event. This complete, entry-level course is made to help both new techs and the shops that hire them.
I-CAR Academy offers more than just technical training. It also has best practices for human resources, thorough teaching guides for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers, and mentoring tools for techs who are learning on the job in workshops.
I-CAR’s Vice President of Planning and Industry Talent Programming, Dara Goroff, said that the Academy fills the gap between what techs learn in trade schools and the skills they need to work in a shop. This makes sure that technicians get the same, high-quality training at all stages of their careers, from school to the job market and up through the ranks in their present jobs.
I-CAR continues to lead the way in the development of collision repair education by introducing new and cutting-edge training methods. This gives techs the skills they need to work in an automobile world that is changing quickly.
