PPG supports future automotive painters by providing the IES Tierno Galván with the revolutionary PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem.
PPG is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the fight against the lack of professionals in the automotive aftermarket sector in the EMEA region. To do so, PPG is collaborating with some of the leading educational institutions that train future professionals in the body and paint workshop, such as the IES Tierno Galván located in Madrid, Spain.
These schools, aligned with PPG's vision, focus on equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to develop successful careers in the automotive industry. Aware of the challenges identified in a recent report by the European Commission on education and vocational training, PPG is committed to supporting initiatives that promote the development of new generations of professionals and address issues such as lack of resources, outdated equipment, and a lack of practical learning, with a special emphasis on sustainability and digitalization.
In this way, PPG has signed a collaboration agreement with the IES Tierno Galván, a leading institution in the training of professionals in the automotive sector in Madrid, Spain. This collaboration aims to address the shortage of qualified professionals in the repainting field by providing the institute with cutting-edge digital tools and knowledge to train future professionals in the workshop, making the sector more attractive to young painters and preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. PPG's innovative technologies, including the cutting-edge PPG LINQ digital ecosystem, contribute to this effort.
PPG LINQ is a cloud-based digital ecosystem that fully connects, automates, and digitizes the repainting process. It allows painters to modernize the repair process using interconnected hardware, software, and innovative services. Some of these tools include MOONWALK®, an intelligent and precise mixing system; PPG DIGIMATCH™, a multi-angle spectrophotometer that quickly and easily identifies colors, and PPG VISUALIZID™, a 3D visualization software that identifies the best color combination in seconds. PPG LINQ is designed to streamline the repainting process, optimize operations, connect with partners, and maximize workshop profitability.
"At PPG, we take pride in being close to our customers and understanding their daily challenges. Therefore, our commitment to addressing the shortage of qualified talent in the workshop stems from a deep understanding of the problems faced by repairers in the majority of European countries, including Spain," says Sara Fanciano, Business Director EMEA South. "Innovation and digitalization are at the heart of PPG's strategy. By developing cutting-edge technologies for the body and paint workshop, we also aim to make the automotive repair industry more appealing to young painters. In this regard, the investment in training centers through donations like the PPG LINQ digital ecosystem is a testament to this commitment, providing students not only with the latest technology but also with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving environment."
"Fostering and attracting young talent to the workshop is a source of pride for PPG. By supporting the work of vocational training schools like the IES Tierno Galván, where the future professionals of the body and paint workshop are being trained, we contribute to ensuring a better future for the Spanish aftermarket. Our commitment lies in equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills and knowledge that will make them excel in the automotive repainting sector," said Paolo Tornaghi, Automotive Refinish Director for Spain and Portugal.
Jesús Cuevas, Business Development Director EMEA, added: "Our commitment to training is deeply rooted in the belief that a well-prepared workforce is the backbone of progress in our industry. PPG's investment in the training of future generations of painters not only focuses on the professional preparation of students but also creates opportunities for today's students to become leaders in the refinishing industry, driving innovation throughout the sector."
Having innovations like the PPG LINQ digital ecosystem in our training center is much more than just talking about technology: it is a valuable aid in addressing the skills gap among young painters. Thanks to this donation, students can learn how advanced workshops operate and how they will work in the future while they are still in training. Undoubtedly, PPG's technology contributes to making the automotive repair sector more attractive and accessible, and the training we provide at our center benefits young students," said Pedro Urda, professor in the automotive area at IES Tierno Galván.
PPG's collaboration agreement with the IES Tierno Galván is another example of the company's global commitment to education and the development of initiatives aimed at promoting the training of new generations of professionals in the body and paint workshop. In 2023, PPG and the PPG Foundation announced a $2 million investment to support programs aimed at promoting training and creating opportunities for future qualified professionals in the coatings manufacturing and application sector, including automotive painters.