February 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST
CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) announced key findings from its Future of Collision Repair Workforce Study, published in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The study surveyed 475 high school and college students, technical/vocational students and recent graduates considering careers in collision repair.
The study reveals a positive perception of the collision repair industry among the next generation of professionals. It also highlights their eagerness to pursue a career that combines hands-on work with advanced technology in a field they view as stable and rewarding.
“To build a strong future for the collision repair industry, we need to understand how the next generation views our field,” said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president, head of OEM partnerships for CCC Intelligent Solutions and member of the CREF board of trustees. “By raising awareness of collision repair as a dynamic career path and providing training on the cutting-edge technology used by professionals, we can build a steady influx of talent for years to come.”
Key findings from the study include:
Career Stability and Longevity
- 95% of respondents are confident that collision repair is more stable than traditional college-degree jobs
- 74% believe a collision repair career offers higher earning potential than traditional college-degree jobs
- 31% are influenced by the promise of work-life balance and the flexibility and variety in tasks
Balance Between Hands-On Work and Technology
- 81% of respondents want a career where they can work with their hands
- 82% of respondents want a career where they can use technology
- 95% said knowing they would regularly use advanced software and AI tools would increase their interest in a collision repair career
Career Awareness and Misconceptions
- 69% of respondents thought collision repair work was mostly done with manual tools
- 30% have concerns over the high physical demands of collision repair
- 29% expressed concerns about social stigma of trade work
“It’s rewarding to see that incoming students view collision repair as a stable profession offering long-term career advancement opportunities,” said Brandon Eckenrode, executive director of CREF. “By continuing to collaborate across the industry, showcasing success stories and providing scholarships, funding and technological training to students and schools, we can effectively raise awareness and create opportunities for students eager to join the profession. We appreciate CCC taking a lead role in conducting this research and taking action in response to the findings by providing expanded access to their technology for our member schools.”
Since 2011, in partnership with CREF, CCC has donated more than $75 million through in-kind donations of its CCC ONE Estimating software to hundreds of schools, enabling students to gain real-world training on the type of technology they will utilize when they enter the workforce. Recognizing the appetite incoming professionals have for using advanced technology, CCC has announced it will provide access to CCC ONE to every CREF member school — both current and future.
“Our collision repair customers tell us that when they hire students trained on the same technology used to run their shop, they ramp up more quickly,” said Mark Fincher, vice president, product management for CCC. “CCC is committed to helping our customers get the most from their investment with us, which means investing in their future workforce.”
Schools interested in joining CREF, receiving access to CCC software or viewing the study findings should visit cccis.com/workforce.
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CCC engaged Hanover Research, a leading provider of custom market research, to conduct this survey. Respondents were U.S. residents, 16 years old or older and included high school juniors and seniors, community college/two-year degree students, technical/vocational students and recent high school graduates currently in the workforce. All were open to considering a career in collision repair or already planning to apply to a collision repair program.
About CCC
CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC), a subsidiary of CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CCC), is a leading cloud platform provider for the multi-trillion-dollar P&C insurance economy, creating intelligent experiences for insurers, repairers, automakers, part suppliers, and more. The CCC Intelligent Experience (IX) Cloud™ platform, powered by proven AI and an innovative event-based architecture, connects more than 35,000 businesses to power customized applications and platforms for optimal outcomes and personalized experiences that just work. Through purposeful innovation and the strength of its connections, CCC technologies empower the people and industry relied upon to keep lives moving forward when it matters most. Learn more about CCC at www.cccis.com.
FAQS
Who published the Future of Collision Repair Workforce Study?
The Future of Collision Repair Workforce Study was published by CCC Intelligent Solutions, in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). CCC is a cloud platform provider for the property and casualty insurance economy, supporting insurers, repairers, automakers, part suppliers and more in improving recovery and repair experiences following an accident.
What were the main takeaways from the Future of Collision Repair Workforce Study?
The study reveals a positive perception of the collision repair industry among the next generation of professionals in terms of job stability, earning potential and work-life balance. Data also shows that emerging professionals want the opportunity to work with their hands and leverage advanced technology, including artificial intelligence. In fact, interest in a collision repair career grew significantly when respondents learned they would regularly use advanced software and AI tools.
What are CCC and CREF doing with the research findings?
The research findings highlight the desire of emerging collision repair industry professionals to use advanced technology. In response, CCC announced it will provide access to its CCC ONE Estimating software to any CREF member school – both current and future. This commitment is an expansion of CCC’s ongoing support of CREF, which has included more than $75 million in-kind donations of its CCC ONE Estimating software to hundreds of schools to date.
How can schools become involved with CREF to gain access to CCC ONE estimating software?
Schools that are interested in getting involved with CREF and/or gaining access to CCC ONE Estimate software should visit: cccis.com/workforce.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future use and performance of CCC’s digital solutions. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, competition, including technological advances and new products marketed by competitors; changes to applicable laws and regulations; and other risks and uncertainties, including those included underthe header “Risk Factors” in CCC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Form 10-K filed February 25, 2025, which can be obtained, without charge, at the SEC’s website ( www.sec.gov). The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
CCC Media Contact: Michelle Hellyar
Mhellyar@cccis.com | 773.791.3675
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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.