As repairers navigate their way out of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Green Belt Training is providing a framework on which to build a better business for the future.
For many repairers, dealing with the fallout from COVID-19 measures has been a decisive moment. As they recognise the need to begin on the business improvement pathway, Green Belt Training, delivered by PPG’s MVP Business Solutions team is providing solutions. The first of a series of nationwide Green Belt Training courses was recently held in Melbourne where it was hosted by Victoria / Tasmania MVP Business Solutions Manager, Mindy Roberts, and presented by ANZ MVP Business Solutions Manager, Greg Tunks. As well as a whole toolbox full of valuable business improvement strategies, the multi-day course also contributes points towards repairers achieving I-CAR Gold Class accreditation. The 18 attendees really threw themselves into the course content, says Greg Tunks.
“Most of the participants were from Melbourne but there were also a couple who flew in from Tasmania. And it was not just owners / managers – there was also shopfloor staff and estimators who were keen to upskill and learn about what goes into modern collision centre management. It might be an old cliché but the key message is really to ‘learn to work smarter, not harder.
"The aim of Green Belt Training is to give collision repairers practical information and strategies, such as 5S methodologies, eliminating waste, value stream mapping, leadership and leading change and much more. Apart from the information we deliver, there is a lot of interaction where participants share information. This is particularly valuable with common issues, such as finding and retaining good staff, how to get staff involved in change and how to keep the team on track to achieving goals – there are a lot of good ideas out there. Whether they are a panel beater, a spray painter, a manager or a business owner, one aspect I try to emphasis is that everyone needs to think of themselves as a problem solver. That way, when the roadblocks or hurdles appear – and these thinks happen every day – it’s about solving problems, as well as ensuring they don’t continually reoccur day after day. As part of that, we introduced the problem log board as a method for identifying and eliminate issues," Tunks said.
A key focus of Green Belt Training is to give repairers everything they need to immediately go back to their business and start on the improvement pathway, however that is not the end of it. Their MVP Business Solutions Manager will follow up to give them as much support as they need to make it a continuous improvement strategy. Green Belt Training is the most popular course offered by the MVP Business Solutions team and plans are currently underway to hold further events around the country.
To express your interest in attending a Green Belt Training course, contact your MVP Business Solutions Manager or the PPG Customer Service Hotline on 13 24 24.