As a leader in the thriving graphics market, 3M understands the significance of a high-quality installation process for its wide range of products and services.  Well-trained installers are critical to ensuring excellent customer satisfaction and helping maintain the integrity of the industry.

To sustain this level of excellence, 3M offers world-class training, testing and accreditation for installers and installation companies.  Completion of the testing program is a prerequisite for recognition by 3M as a company through the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Program, or as an individual installer through the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer Program. In addition, 3M is adding the 3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer program for installations at car dealerships through the new Scotchprint brand On-Demand Personalized Vehicle Graphics program from 3M.

Training

3M Advanced Installation Training is held at the 3M Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M Graphics Installation Trainers conduct three-day sessions that include vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, boat wraps, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics. Skills are refined through discussion, demonstration, and monitored hands-on training. For more information, contact 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

2011 Advanced Installation Training Dates

May 16-18                   September 19-21

June 20-22                   October 17-19

July 18-20                   November 14-16

August 15-17              December 12-14

3M Preferred Graphics Installers from Lowen Corporation conduct courses in Hutchinson, Kansas, to build and refine skills through extensive hands-on practice. They include vehicle accessory disassembly, graphic film installation and removal for vehicle wraps, boat wraps, fleet graphics, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics. The course utilizes the curriculum developed by 3M and can run 2-5 days depending on customer requirements. Contact Sean Rhodes at seanr@lowen.com for more information.

2011 Lowen Company Training Dates

April 25-26       May 16-20      May 24-26

Testing

3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Test
This test is required for one or more employees of each member UASG company to achieve the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company credentials.

For more information regarding the test, contact jlades@comcat.net <mailto:jlades@comcat.net> .

2011 Dates:                             June 27-28                   October 24-25

3M Preferred Graphics Installer Test

This test is required for individual installers to achieve the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer credentials.

For more information regarding the test, contact 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

2011 Dates:                           May 19-20       September 22-23

June 23-24       October 20-21

July 21-22       November 17-18

August 18-19  December 15-16

3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer Test
This program has multiple skill level designations (1-Star to 4-Star). More information on the testing levels and locations can be found by first registering as an installer on Scotchprint.com. Questions can be directed through Scotchprint.com or 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

Lowen Corporation’s 3M Graphics Authorized Installation Testing Facility

The test for 3M Preferred Graphics Installer credentials may be taken at this facility. For more information regarding the test, contact seanr@lowen.com.

2011 Dates: April 25-26         May 16-20       May 24-26

You can sign up and show off your installation skills in the 3M Bumper Wrap Contest at ISA! Contestants will apply a 2′ x 2′ graphic to an HHR bumper, and will be judged on time and quality of the installation. The graphics will be printed on Controltac Wrap Film with Comply v3 Adhesive IJ380Cv3, protected by Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate 8580, both from 3M.

Every installer who participates will receive a prize, so join in!

All contestants receive a minimum $50 discount off training or testing/application.

Those who successfully complete the bumper wrap will receive a cool contest T-shirt and a $100 discount off tools, training or testing/application.
One Grand Prize winner will receive a cool contest T-shirt and an $800 discount off  Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080 from 3M, 3M installation tools, training or testing/application.