Surventis has officially opened its new Regional Competence Centre (RCC), a purpose-built training facility designed to advance skills development within the automotive refinishing sector. The centre has been developed to replicate the conditions of a modern body shop, providing technicians with practical, hands-on training in an environment that closely reflects real-world workplace requirements.
In today's refinishing industry, achieving a high-quality repair requires far more than simply applying paint. Factors such as coating technology, preparation procedures, equipment selection, airflow management, curing processes and technician expertise all contribute to the final result. Recognising the importance of these interconnected disciplines, Surventis designed the RCC as a complete learning environment rather than a traditional product demonstration facility.
The centre enables technicians to gain a deeper understanding of how processes, products and equipment work together to achieve consistent repair quality and improved workshop efficiency. By simulating the realities of a professional refinishing operation, the facility aims to better prepare technicians for the challenges they will encounter in the workplace.
According to Trevor Vogl, former Head of Technical at Surventis and one of the key contributors to the project, the objective was to create a practical training environment that delivers meaningful industry value.
“This RCC is more than a classroom or product-training venue. It is a purpose-built environment where technicians can learn using equipment, processes and working conditions that closely reflect a real body shop,” he says.
The facility features two full-size painting and drying booths, a dedicated paint-mixing and storage area, a separate gun-cleaning room and a Stucchi central dust-extraction system. Extensive safety-glass viewing panels allow visitors and delegates to observe practical demonstrations and training activities without entering the controlled spray environment.
While the infrastructure and technology form an important part of the centre, its primary focus remains skills development. Training programmes are designed to help technicians build a broader understanding of industry best practices, including preparation standards, process control, quality management, safety procedures and productivity enhancement.
Vogl believes that modern refinishing professionals require more than technical product knowledge to succeed. They need the confidence and practical understanding to apply those skills effectively in a working environment.
“The aim is to help technicians leave with skills they can apply confidently in the workplace,” he explains.
The RCC has been developed to support technicians at various stages of their careers, from newcomers entering the industry to experienced professionals seeking to expand their expertise. It also offers body-shop owners, customers and industry stakeholders the opportunity to gain insight into the demands and requirements of modern refinishing operations.
For Surventis, the Regional Competence Centre represents a long-term investment in the future of the automotive refinishing industry. By focusing on practical education, process excellence and skills development, the company aims to contribute to a stronger, more capable workforce that can meet the evolving standards of the sector.
