BASF supported young automotive refinish students from Japan this summer as they perfected their refinish skills in a special immersion-style study program held in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Approximately 40 students from Toyota Technical College (TTCN) in Nagoya, Japan, attended Okanagan College in Kelowna for four weeks to work one-on-one with industry experts to advance their auto body and refinishing skills.

BASF has been a long-time supporter of the program, providing R-M Onyx paint and materials for the students to use, along with instruction on advanced and custom paint techniques. Each student received their own fender to paint and take with them back to Japan.

BASF representatives Tim Brilz and Michael Kukura participate in the program every year, helping students master application methods that they might not have the chance to learn in their home country. It also allows them to mentor students and prepare them for the job market once they graduate from their program at TTCN. Five years ago, the painting portion of the four-week program became so popular among students that two days of custom painting were added to the end.

“BASF is honored to have been provided the opportunity by instructor John Euloth and Okanogan College to work with the Toyota students over past several years,” said Trista Anger, regional business manager for BASF Refinish Canada. “This annual event presents an extremely unique opportunity for not only refinish training but also cultural exchange and interaction. We look forward to many years of continued support and success for the program.”