NORCROSS, Ga. – Akzo Nobel has been advised by I-CAR that fifteen of its technical and business development classes have been approved under the 2006 re-certification criteria to receive Gold Class points through the I-CAR Training Alliance program effective November 1, 2006.

Executive Director of the I-CAR Education Foundation Ron Ray notes, “The I-CAR Industry Training Alliance exists to recognize the accomplishments of students’ training through approved training providers. All programs approved for inclusion into the Industry Training Alliance must support the I-CAR vision that every person in the collision industry has the necessary technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve a complete and safe repair.”

Acknowledging the re-certifications, Training Manager for Akzo Nobel, Bill McIlhargey comments, “Akzo Nobel has always supported the belief that an educated consumer is the best for us and them.Having the opportunity to work with and have the endorsement of I-CAR is a huge benefit to our training assortment.”

Training approved for I-CAR Gold Class points through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance include:

• Technical: Sikkens Product Training; Sikkens Advanced Product Training; Lesonal Product Training; Lesonal Advanced Product Training; GM OE Paint Certification (Sikkens/Lesonal); Color Tinting (Sikkens/Lesonal); GM Paint Certification Color Tinting (Sikkens/Lesonal).

• Sikkens Acoat selected: Collision Administrative Processes; Estimating Consistency; Increasing Closing Rations; Reducing Cycle Time; Implementing a Rapid Repair System; Business-to-Business Marketing; Paint Material Management; Maximizing CSI.