On December 2, 2025, we had the privilege of internet hosting an distinctive group of collision restore college students from Thornton Fractional Center for Science and Technology, led by their CTE teacher Jorge Navarrete. What unfolded was a 5½-hour, technology-driven, hands-on expertise designed to point out college students the fact — and the chances — of a profession in trendy collision restore.
We kicked issues off in our wash bay with recent Amish donuts and chocolate milk, a small throwback to the morning breaks I loved again in grade college — again when my “old self” was very younger. It set a relaxed, enjoyable tone for the day, and the scholars arrived with optimistic power and curiosity.
Two teams, two deep-dive experiences
The paint workforce citing formulation with Samantha McCauley.The first group targeted on coloration science and paint know-how. Led by Samantha McCauley, our head painter, this session gave college students a full start-to-finish look at how coloration accuracy is secured lengthy earlier than a automobile reaches the sales space. Students noticed 3D coloration imaging on a new C8 Corvette, discovered about system creation and paint mixing, sprayed take a look at panels themselves, and watched a demonstration of the robotic infrared curing arm.
The second group dove into precision restore planning and real-world procedures with Repair Planning Manager Mike Kennedy. Students reviewed energetic repairs utilizing a multi-screen workflow that included OEM process analysis, security protocol integration, and actual restore plan documentation. They additionally observed a shocking variety of Corvettes within the queue.
After one hour, the teams swapped so each scholar skilled each tracks absolutely.
Moving to the Advanced Center
We then moved over to our Advanced Repair, Alignment, EV, and Calibration Center the place the remainder of the afternoon unfolded with a catered lunch and hands-on immersion. Lunch transitioned into deeper technical classes led by our workforce and companions. Students skilled 3D structural pre-measuring and noticed fixture bench setup with Celette, led by Greg Fritz, whose dynamic, hands-on presentation earned a number of rounds of applause. The college students additionally bought the chance to function the measuring system themselves.
3D measurements being taken with Greg Fritz from Celette.Additional classes lined security inspections on disassembled autos, laser wheel and tire diagnostics (together with a look at severely broken Corvette wheels), an EV-designated restore stall overview with battery desk makes use of, and an ADAS calibration system demonstration.
A particular acknowledgment goes to Bud Center and Jesus Guerrero from I-CAR for their excellent help. They added significant route all through the afternoon, helped join the know-how to real-world profession paths, and took the time to reply each scholar query with readability and enthusiasm. Their presence elevated the expertise and strengthened how important schooling and steady studying are in at present’s collision restore business.
Why December 2nd mattered
Spending 5½ hours with these college students wasn’t simply a store tour — it was an funding in the way forward for our commerce. Technician shortages aren’t solved with discuss; they’re solved with publicity, mentorship, and alternatives that present college students what excellence seems to be like.
These college students confirmed up engaged, respectful, and desperate to study. If even one left impressed to pursue collision restore at a increased stage, then the day achieved its objective.
We sit up for persevering with our partnership with Thornton Fractional Center for Science and Technology, CTE teacher Jorge Navarrete, and all packages dedicated to creating the subsequent era of collision restore professionals.