The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) recently brought together more than 30 professionals in the collision repair industry at a special event held at the 3M Skills Development Center in St. Paul, MN. The event, organized by WIN’s Regional Events Committee and sponsored by 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, was designed to promote education, networking and the professional development of women in the industry.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art training facility, dedicated to upskilling automotive technicians in various aspects of collision repair. According to 3M, their Skills Development Center "allows our industry experts to deliver more hands-on training to more people," offering body shop staff the chance to learn the latest processes directly from real-world experts, OEMs and accredited partners.
The event featured educational stations where participants engaged in practical, hands-on activities covering key body and paint operations such as panel repair, seam sealing, riveting and refinishing. In addition to the training sessions, the event included industry trivia, networking opportunities and refreshments.
As a special highlight, one lucky attendee won a complimentary three-day training session at the center, valued at $2,500, courtesy of 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division.
WIN continues to champion the advancement of women in the collision repair industry through events like these, which are integral to its mission of promoting education, professional growth, and networking. The organization, which represents a diverse array of segments within the industry -- from repair facilities to suppliers and insurance companies -- remains committed to supporting the role of women in this field.
Learn more about upcoming WIN events here or more about the 3M Skills Development Center and its offerings here.
