PPG DIT announce new training partnership
PPG Refinish Ireland and Dublin Institute of Technology are pleased to have recently launched a new partnership designed to deliver unique bodyshop training initiatives to the Irish crash repair industry.
The new partnership was announced last week at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) to an audience of representatives from across the industry including repairers, insurers, motor manufacturers and academia. The partnership between PPG and DIT has been designed to establish a range of new bodyshop training courses; underpinned by the benefit of shared best practice through a collaborative approach between paint manufacturer and training provider.
John McGowan business manager of PPG Refinish Ireland presented PPG’s training credentials at a launch event highlighting that PPG have training centres in 65 countries globally. He pointed out that many paint companies supplying the refinish business don’t supply motor manufacturer’s production lines whereas PPG are leaders in this respect.
John McGowan commented on the new partnership with DIT, ‘Our close ties to the manufacturing business means we are at the forefront of technology and innovation so we can quickly respond and develop repair products, processes and techniques.
‘We firmly believe that there is a need for a training initiative in Ireland that will help the industry recruit the right sort of talent to ensure its future and we are proud to be sponsoring DIT in this respect.
‘Good things always happen when leading teaching institutions link with industry leaders so we are proud to be working with Dublin Institute of Technology. ‘
Professor Gerry Farrell, director and dean, College of Engineering and Built Environment, commented that, ‘The DIT-PPG Partnership Agreement is an excellent example of higher education and industry working together and very much in-keeping with DIT’s plans to become Ireland’s first Technological University’.
Further to the sharing of PPG’s training and repair process expertise to DIT, PPG paint systems and colour tools will also be used at the Dublin Institute of Technology giving training delegates access to the latest innovations in the market.
Declan Allen, head of transport engineering at DIT added, ‘We are very excited with the potential offered by the PPG and DIT partnership arrangement.
‘Both PPG and DIT are committed to innovation, education, training and excellence. The newly announced PPG/DIT partnership will assist in ensuring the Irish vehicle body repair industry is well placed to face future challenges and exciting opportunities’.
Dublin Institute of Technology has been an integral part of the Irish Higher Education system for more than a century. DIT is now one of Ireland’s largest and most innovative university-level institutions.
