SOUTHFIELD, MI – BASF supported young automotive refinish students from Japan this summer as they perfected their refinish skills in a special immersion-style study program held in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Approximately 40 students from Toyota Technical College (TTCN) in Nagoya, Japan, attended Okanagan College in Kelowna for four weeks to work one-on-one with industry experts to advance their auto body and refinishing skills. The opportunity also allowed them to stay with Canadian families where they could practice their English skills and experience Canadian culture.

BASF has been a long-time supporter of the program, providing R-M Onyx paint and materials for the students to use, along with instruction on advanced and custom paint techniques. Each student received their own fender to paint and take with them back to Japan.

BASF representatives Tim Brilz and Michael Kukura participate in the program every year, helping students master application methods that they might not have the chance to learn in their home country. It also allows them to mentor students and prepare them for the job market once they graduate from their program at TTCN. Five years ago, the painting portion of the four-week program became so popular among students that two days of custom painting were added to the end of the course.