Connecticut collision association launches student placement program

The Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists Association (CCRS) announced the launch of the Advanced Student Placement Program created by its members. This is the first cooperative project between the the Connecticut technical high schools collision repair administration and the association.

The eight qualifying technical schools have an approximate student enrollment of 400 students. This year, 80 students will graduate from the program. “We are very pleased to see an increase in the last couple of years for the collision repair program. This year, we had 131 in the freshman class. With support from CCRS – we are confident that our program will continue to grow and assist more students in finding employment within the industry,” said Dan Thibault, Transportation Technology Intern for the technical schools.

“After meeting with school administrators, instructors and students, we were told that our industry needs to offer more employment opportunities for their graduates. Their are challenges that exist on both fronts – the shop owner, who needs qualified technicians and the entry level student, who needs a shop to hire him or her. We realized if we are to make a difference for the future of our industry, regarding our workforce, then we need to step up and make a formal commitment and actually hire these students.” said Lisa Siembab, CCRS Executive Director.

The CCRS Executive Board and members have pledged to participate in the Advanced Student Placement program which has two elements. The technical schools feature the Workbase Learning Program, where students are placed in an intern position with a local shop. Several CCRS members have signed up to participate in this particular program. The second element involves a commitment to hire the graduating student.

“We realize that shop owners are busy – so a program where we conduct the due diligence in qualifying a student to be hired makes it easier for the employers. This process involves recommendations from the instructors, attendance records and overall gradepoint average.” said Bob McSherry, CCRS Chairman.

“Once the vetting process has been completed, we will make qualified recommendations to the participating CCRS member shops,” he said. CCRS members also participate in mock interviews with the students, provide student scholarships, donate tools and equipment, conduct shop tours and visit the schools to speak on job opportunities in the auto body industry.

“Our goal is to support the future of our industry – by supporting our future employees, today. We decided to be proactive – and develop a program that is very specific.” said Siembab For more information on CCRS visit www.ctcrs.com.