Courses: Auto Courses

This three-day course is the first three days of the Tractor Trailer / Heavy Equipment Estimatics course . The best value is to enroll in the whole course.

This course teaches students what they need to know to write estimates on Tractor Trailers. Students will learn about tractor trailers, with an emphasis on tractors, nomenclature, estimating guides, cab and body construction and wear items.

Students should understand how to write estimates or have taken Vale’s Auto Estimatics Course. Students should also have working computers.

Vale is pleased to offer Legacy EV Fundamentals Certification – an unique program designed for technicians, shops, companies and fleet managers learning to implement high voltage and EV safety in their workplace and ICE to EV conversions.

Learn the ins and outs of a gas-to-electric car conversions at the Legacy EV Fundamentals Certification Bootcamp. Learners will mount, wire, program, commission, tune, and practice fault finding in various EV systems using fully functional EV training benches.  High Voltage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is demonstrated and used in this class during hands-on exercises.

Included in the Boot Camp is access to Legacy EV’s virtual Certified Technician Program to become certified by Legacy EV in performing gas-to-electric vehicle conversions.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the 1 week in-person training, learners will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of safety procedures for working with high voltage systems.

• Understand the basic electrical circuitry involved in installing a high voltage system into an electric vehicle.

• Understand how a wiring diagram represents the electrical mapping of how an EV kit will be installed into a vehicle.

• Understand the roles of major EV systems and the difference between high voltage and low voltage systems.

• Use all tools and equipment that are typically used in the process of vehicle electrification.

• Demonstrate understanding of EV kit installation process by completing a full installation of a Legacy EV kit into a test bench.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to properly mount, wire, program, commission, test, and tune an EV system.

• Demonstrate all safety procedures involved in estimating, repair, and maintenance of an electric vehicle.

 

While at the Vale facility students will receive a brief training in Electric Vehicle Estimatics presented by one of our instructors.

For more information on the class: EV Fundamentals Certification

 *To register for the class and receive a special scholarship, please send an email to [email protected] and include your name, phone number and email address so we can confirm your scholarship , provide a special code, and register you for the program. 

As a supplement to our Auto Estimatics program, we are pleased to offer a library of video resources for a 90-day subscription.  The library is intended for students to access as self-paced learning prior to attending the classroom program and remains available as a resource approximately sixty days following completion of their program.  It is intended as both a pre-study and initial support resource after the class as students begin to apply their classroom learning in their role as adjuster or estimator.  The 90 total days of access to the videos should give sufficient time and information to help you adapt to your new position. Should you want to extend the subscription, please contact us to discuss costs and duration.

The library consists of over 50 videos (6 hours) that encompass topics ranging from soft skills, vehicle operation to repair considerations at a foundational level. Should the learner be seeking CE, they can elect the CE path.  Note the CE path has additional testing and provides CE for OK, FL, TX and NC.  Additionally, the learner will be assigned Vale’s Intro to Auto Estimatics, a 1.5 hour online course.  

 

Topics Include (but not limited to)

1. Customer Service

a. Repair Conversation

b. Customer Responsibilities

c. Negotiating

2. Estimating

a. Blueprinting

b. Optioning

c. Conditioning

d. Unrelated Damage

3. Body Repairs

a. Dent Repair Basics

b. Plastic Repair

4. Refinishing

a. Refinishing Process

b. Identifying Paint Codes and Finishes

c. Automotive Glass

5. Mechanical

a. Wheel Alignments

b. Heating and Cooling systems

c. Tires

6. Equipment used for Body Repair and Refinishing

7. Terminology

a. Nomenclature

b. Suspension Parts

8. CCC One

a. Overview of CCC

b. Reading an Estimate

9. Materials

a. Adhesives

b. Foams

10. Vehicle Structure

a. Set Up and Measure

b. Pulling Structure

 

This three-day course is the final three days of the Tractor Trailer / Heavy Equipment Estimatics course. The best value is to enroll in the whole course.

This course teaches students what they need to know to write estimates on Heavy Equipment. The heavy equipment will include bull dozers, backhoes, cranes and graders. The final two days cover topics for both types of equipment.

Students should understand how to write estimates or have taken Vale’s Auto Estimatics Course. Students should also have working computers.

Presentation combines classroom lecture, visual aids, and hands-on exercises. This program is performance-based; students perform practice estimates on each section of the vehicle (front, side, and rear impacts on outer body components). Each practice estimate is reviewed by the instructor and students at the vehicle, culminating in a graded test estimate.

Pre-written estimates are reviewed for content and accuracy.

Graduates of this program will be able to perform damage estimates on outer body panels of cars, light trucks, vans and SUV’s, and recognize signs of structural misalignment and damage to the most commonly damaged mechanical systems. Those charged with reviewing pre-written estimates from a remote location will gain tremendous effectiveness through hands on identification of vehicle parts and systems, and experiencing the estimating process. This includes engine and suspension system, component repair, structural realignment, vehicle identification, and basic estimating information.

Students learn how to calculate sheet metal and aluminum repair time.

 

This five-day course teaches students what they need to know to write estimates on Tractor Trailers and Heavy Equipment.

Students will spend the first three days learning about tractor trailers, with an emphasis on tractors, nomenclature, estimating guides, cab and body construction and wear items. The fourth and fifth days focus solely on heavy equipment including bull dozers, backhoes, cranes and graders. The final day wraps everything up.

**We highly recommend that you have some experience in writing auto estimates. If not, taking our Auto Estimatics course first, Auto Estimatics® – Vale.**

Vale is proud to partner with the following testing organizations.

Please reach out to them about testing dates.

In the USA:
Phone: 417-840-8525
hmverified.com
email: [email protected]

In Canada:
Tino Cipolla
Phone: 519-777-5887
www.dented.ca/valetesting

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I find additional PDR training?

Please contact National Alliance for Paintless Dent Repair Technicians (NAPDRT) at www.napdrt.org or PDR Nation at www.pdrnation.com .

Do I need to bring lights?

Tools and lighting will not be supplied. Technician should bring the necessary tools, lighting (with power converter if needed), buffer, sanding blocks, etc. In short, the technician should prepare as if going to a storm site. AC power sources are supplied.

How many levels can I test for per test date?

You may only test for one level per test date.

What types of panels will we be tested on?

Participants will be tested on late-model domestic hoods, deck lids and doors mounted to fixed stands. Aluminum panels may be of imported manufacture.

What if I fail to pass a level?

Should any part of the testing in the Craftsman or Master Craftsman category not be completed to a satisfactory level, the candidate may apply the passed segments of that testing to one lower proficiency level rating, provided all the criteria of that second (lower) level are satisfied. Example: Candidate passes first two criteria of the Craftsman level but fails the third criteria will qualify for Journeyman status with no more testing. Failing one test segment, a candidate testing for Master Craftsman level may apply successful test segments to Craftsman level, and complete the test to satisfy Craftsman level criteria. You may drop down one time only. Should any part of the second (lower) tier of testing result in a no-pass, a certificate will not be awarded.

When are PDR Test dates scheduled?

Dates are scheduled on an as needed basis – please call 1-817-633-4800 to arrange for a test date.

What levels of testing are there?

Journeyman, Craftsman, Master Craftsman

What type of certification will be presented if successfully completed?

Successful participants will be awarded a certificate and wallet sized I. D. card reflecting the level of demonstrated proficiency. Your name and certification number will be listed on the Vale website with your permission.

When can I test for the next level?

Candidates wishing to return for testing to upgrade their status to a higher level may do so on the next available test program date at Vale Training Solutions in Arlington, Texas.

Is there a class limit?

5 per session

What tools do I need to bring?

You should prepare as if going to a storm site. AC power sources are supplied.

Will there be buffing?

Yes

Is there continuing education credits?

Continuing Education Units:  N/A

Vale is now offering select courses with a hybrid option*.

The Auto Estimatics course is delivered virtually most months but once per quarter we offer a hybrid option. The hybrid format allows for the initial portion of the course to be delivered virtually with the final week providing an option for students to continue virtually or join us at our Arlington, TX facility to experience our claims house, framing displays, mock-ups and classroom materials. Students choosing the classroom-based delivery will travel to our Arlington, TX facility to get hands-on training along with extra time with the instructor.

*Hybrid option – Students choose during registration before class starts with the virtual format for the full 2 weeks. The Hybrid version will be held at the facility, Vale National Training Center, to experience live, hands-on training in the 2nd week. Lunch will be provided daily for each student.

Course description

The course content follows the Estimatics® Course Syllabus using electronic estimating systems to practice assigned estimates following topics covered in class.

We use images of vehicles, other visual aids and provide detailed information about the damage to the vehicle. This enables the student to generate damage estimates beginning on the first day of class. Progressing in difficulty, each estimate is reviewed and discussed. More complex front, side and rear impact estimates are graded so the student learns a variety of realistic estimating skills.

Emphasis is given to new generation vehicles and the new products, materials, and accessories being manufactured today.

After successfully completing this course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to prepare a complete and accurate electronic estimate using automated system data as well as practical repair formulas and structural analysis methods.

Audience:

This two-week course is designed for those in the insurance and collision repair industries that will use an automated estimating program to produce damage estimates. This course is offered for the student with limited experience who will be generating thorough and accurate automated estimates from minor to complex collision and comprehensive damages. 
Vale is an authorized trainer for Audatex, CCC ONE, and Mitchell Cloud programs. 
Students attending this course will be trained in the STAR 2000 Program used for structural damage documentation and calculations.

 PreReqs:

Attendees must be capable of operating Windows-based programs. Sponsors will need to indicate estimating software selection at the time of Registration.

Syllabus:

Vehicle Identification What To Look For and Where 
Damage Estimating Resources Automated Estimating Programs Procedures, Parts, Allowances Estimating Procedures, Sequence Early Models 
Component Repair Industry Repair Standards Metal and Plastic Repairs Repair/Replace Formula 
Refinishing Types and Procedures 
Structural Realignment Unibody and Conventional Frames STAR 2000 Program Structural Aluminum 
Inner Structure Components, Repair Procedures 
Passenger Restraint Systems Air Bags, Seat Belts 
Interior Parts Seats, Dash 
Alternative Parts Sources and Uses
Storm Damages Water, Flood, and Hail 
Estimating Exercises Demonstrate Skills on Front, Side and Rear Impacts 
Total Losses What to Look For
New Generation Vehicles Hybrid Cars Fiber Optics Electronics 
This course uses the latest versions of: Audatex™, CCC ONE™, and Mitchell UltraMate™.