Key to the value of training is its relevance, and this is why I-CAR Australia is linking industry needs with future-ready training.
As the collision repair industry navigates rapid changes in vehicle design, safety technology, and repair expectations, the need for accurate, timely, and role-specific training has never been greater. I-CAR Australia plays a critical role as the connector—linking industry stakeholders with training solutions that are relevant, responsive, and ready for the future.
Whether it’s responding to the rise of electric vehicles, ADAS calibration, advanced materials, or insurer-led repair standards, I-CAR ensures the right training reaches the right people, at the right time.
Strong industry connections drive smarter training
“Our goal is to stay connected to every corner of the industry—so we can ensure the workforce is equipped for what’s on the road now, and what’s coming next,” says I-CAR Australia COO Jason Trewin.
I-CAR Australia maintains active relationships with key industry groups, including:
OEMs: aligning training with current repair procedures and structural technologies
Insurers: to meet compliance, liability, and repair quality requirements
Individual Workshops and Collision Groups: to deliver training that fits real-world needs
Refinish companies and equipment suppliers: Ensuring that the entire industry has a voice
RTOs and Trainers: to support national access and delivery
Government Skills Councils: including AUSMASA (Mining and Automotive skills Alliance) and as a representative on its SWAP (Strategic Workforce Advisory Panel) to influence future workforce policy
Introducing the updated ProLevel training program
To further strengthen its support of a skilled, modern workforce, I-CAR Australia has commenced a full refresh of its ProLevel training program, beginning with the Estimator role.
This updated training framework is designed to reflect the complexity of today’s vehicle repair environment and the increasing importance of each team member’s role in delivering complete, safe and quality repairs.
Stage one: New estimator pathway released
The first phase of the ProLevel update focuses on the Estimator, a role that has evolved into a technical and strategic linchpin within repair facilities. The new Estimator pathway features:
19 new or updated courses
Deep focus on:
- Repair planning & documentation
- Damage analysis
- ADAS & EV considerations
- OEM procedure sourcing & usage
- Blueprinting best practices
It is also;
- Training aligned to industry, insurer and OEM expectations
- Available through online, virtual, and face to face platforms.
- Counts toward Gold Class™ and Platinum Individual credentials
This refresh ensures Estimators are fully equipped to support accurate repair outcomes, reduce cycle times, improve customer experience, and protect business liability.
The estimator: the cornerstone of a successful collision repair process
In today’s fast-evolving automotive repair industry, the Estimator plays a mission-critical role—one that directly impacts repair accuracy, customer satisfaction, profitability, and compliance.
Gone are the days when estimating simply meant writing up damage. Today’s Estimator must be part technician, part customer service professional, part compliance officer, and part production planner.
Why the estimator role
is so vital
I-CAR Australia’s updated Estimator training pathway includes 19 new or refreshed courses tailored to today’s repair realities—supporting accuracy, compliance, and professionalism from start to finish.
“In many ways, the Estimator is the heartbeat of a collision repair facility,” Trewin says “Their skill and knowledge determine how the repair begins—and often how it ends.”
First Point of Technical Accuracy: The Estimator is the first line of defence in ensuring repairs follow OEM procedures. Their ability to assess damage accurately—including hidden or structural impact—can determine whether a vehicle is repaired safely or falls short of manufacturer expectations.
Blueprint for the Entire Job: Every successful repair starts with a precise and complete estimate. This document becomes the roadmap for the technician, refinisher, and parts team—guiding decisions that affect cycle time, material usage, and quality outcomes.
Compliance and Liability Control: Insurers, OEMs, and regulatory bodies are placing greater pressure on repair accuracy and documentation. Estimators must understand how to integrate repair standards, ADAS considerations, EV safety, and OEM positions into every assessment.
Communication Hub: Estimators are the critical link between the workshop and the customer, insurer, and supply chain. Their ability to clearly explain repair timelines, manage expectations, and document progress affects the overall customer experience and brand trust.
Business Performance Driver: A well-trained Estimator can minimise supplements, reduce rework, streamline production, and protect margins. They are integral to the financial and operational success of every modern repair business.
What’s Next
Following the Estimator update, I-CAR will continue to modernise the ProLevel training pathways for:
- Structural Technicians
- Non-Structural Technicians
- Refinish Technicians
- Production Managers
Each pathway will reflect modern role expectations, new vehicle technologies, and real-world repair practices. These updates will be finalised over the next coming months.
Connecting capability with innovation
With this evolving training framework, I-CAR Australia continues to serve as the link between:
- Vehicle innovation and technician knowledge
- Industry expectations and training delivery
- Policy development and workshop capability
By keeping one hand on the pulse of the repair floor and the other in national planning discussions, I-CAR ensures its training is fit-for-purpose, future-proofed, and aligned to real-world needs.
For more on I-CAR Australia’s ProLevel training and industry partnerships, visit i-car.com.au or follow us on LinkedIn.