Cromax, one of the three premium global refinish brands from Axalta Coatings Systems, has unveiled its 2015 training program for the UK and Ireland, which is designed to cover all aspects of refinishing and all levels of competency. From the beginner, who can join Axalta’s new apprenticeship program, to the experienced refinisher, who can take an Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) assessment, the Cromax training program can help drive its customers’ businesses forward.

Anthony Cashel, Marketing Manager for Axalta Coating Systems in the UK and Ireland, says, “Cromax is delighted to be able to offer such a comprehensive range of training options for 2015. As well as hands-on, practical training, we have also just launched our new online e-learning program, e-CTC. This enables intermediate level refinishers to study and to assess their knowledge without having to leave the body shop. Once they have successfully completed the eight online modules, they can come to the Cromax Training Academy at Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK, for a practical assessment.”

The Cromax Training Academy is also the venue for the brand’s five traditional face-to-face training courses, which for 2015 consist of two color training, one product training and two application technique courses.

Color Matching is a practical, hands-on, two-day course that shows refinishers how to match, formulate, mix and apply solid, metallic and pearlescent colors. Participants are shown how to begin setting up their own personal database using Axalta’s ColorNet Pro software and how to document, record and store information on changes made to color formulations. The one-day Chroma Manager course covers the use of the full range of Cromax color tools. Advanced Cromax Basecoat Training is a practical two-day Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) accredited course on the use of waterborne Cromax basecoat, from color mixing to application and blending techniques. Participants can earn QAA accreditation and an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Awards certificate. Three-Stage/Tri-Coat Training is a specialist two-day refinish course that provides participants with comprehensive skills for the preparation and application of Cromax three-stage finishes. The Fast Repair Training one-day course covers the increasingly popular SMART repair techniques. Fast Repair requires a certain level of skill, so training is essential. The approach and methodology is different, which means this service can bring with it a competitive advantage for body shops who can offer it.

“Our courses use hands-on, process-oriented techniques designed to help refinishers not only work more productively, but also handle issues that may crop up,” concludes Cashel. “The aim of all our courses is to help boost the skills and knowledge of refinishers – whatever their level – give them more confidence, and give them the skills to help increase performance in their body shop.”