News - I-CAR Press Releases 2000

(Richmond, VA) A new welding facility opened at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Western Campus, in Goochland, Virginia. On February 19th, I-CAR hosted the pilot testing of the "hands-on" method of qualifying the welding skills of Industry technicians at the new location in Virginia.

"We are very excited about this new facility. It's the first facility in Virginia to offer the I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test," said Audie Swedeen, I-CAR Welding Qualification Test Manager.

Everett Spence, I-CAR Committee Member and Manager of Whitlow Chevrolet in Richmond; Sam Mills, Acting Chair of the Community College; and Bob Cinibulk, District Instructor, were instrumental in gathering the participants for the initial testing and organization of this significant occasion. Mr. Spence is proud to have assisted in the development of this project with the college. After two years of their efforts, Virginia will now have a centralized location for welding testing.

The introduction of the new facility generated a lot of excitement. Local television stations and newspapers covered the event. Top leaders in the Insurance Industry supported the event and representatives from Allstate and State Farm attended. The participants had been pre-selected to take the I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test in the new six-station facility.

The I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test is a "hands-on" method of qualifying the welding skills of collision repair technicians. Welds must pass both visual and destructive tests. Major vehicle damage requires repair to structural parts, and welding is one of the most critical skills used in repairing this type of damage. The quality of a technician's welds will impact structural integrity, vehicle value, and passenger safety. To date, over 10,000 technicians throughout the United States and Canada have successfully completed the I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test.

For a complete listing of testing dates, times and other locations, please visit the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com. The cost of the test is $360 US, $420 CDN or six I-CAR Discount Coupons. Re-tests for failed welds are $180 US, $210 CDN or three I-CAR Coupons. For additional information on testing, please call I-CAR Customer Care at 800.422.7872 in the United States. In Canada, please call 1-800-565-4227.

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international, not-for-profit, training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

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