DuPont Offers Support to Collision-Repair Program at Penn College

DuPont Performance Coatings will provide training and support materials for Pennsylvania College of Technology's Collision Repair program in its new home on the College's main campus.

The program will be relocated to the former HON manufacturing facility, currently undergoing renovations for conversion to classroom and laboratory space. The College acquired the property through a gift-purchase arrangement in 2001. The renovations are expected to be completed by the start of the Fall 2003 semester.

DPC will provide annual product training for Collision Repair faculty as well as DPC training instructors for Collision Repair classes up to two times each year.

Penn College faculty members will attend DuPont-sponsored training annually at the DPC Learning and Development Center in Lionville.

"We are delighted with DuPont's contribution to our Collision Repair program," said Colin W. Williamson, dean of the School of Transportation Technology at Penn College. "Their support will enable us to expose the students to the latest paint-product developments and increase the amount of time that students can spend with DuPont products. It's a great win-win relationship."

"One of the goals of Penn College's Collision Repair program is to bring to our students the best, most up-to-date education possible," added Leonard R. Filipkowski, associate professor of collision repair, who initiated the College's partnership with DuPont. "As a Collision Repair faculty member, I am very pleased to have the support of DuPont, a leading producer of automotive finishes. DuPont's continued, and now expanded, support will help us meet our goal."

Said Steffen Apollo, DPC national training manager: "We have always believed in and encouraged training and education, and the Penn College program sets some of the highest education standards in the industry. We're pleased to offer our support."

Added Tim Dawe, industry relations manager for DPC: "Well-trained, entry-level technicians are one of our industry's primary needs. Students who complete the Penn College Collision Repair program will be well-qualified to fill those positions."

Nearly 500 students have graduated from the Penn College Collision Repair program since it was initiated in 1964. The program covers the entire Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair curriculum, as well as all Automotive Service Excellence requirements for collision repair. For more information, visit online or call (570) 327-4516.