“When we train in our environment, it’s protected,” says Boyd Hunter, the Founder of The Tint School, based in Sydney, Australia, and Temecula, Calif. “You can drop a roll of film, knock over a spray bottle, or damage a car. It doesn’t matter. We’re about getting film on glass and getting reps in. That’s a win. Let’s try to get it neater and cleaner during the next install.”
Sharing Knowledge
Established in 2008, The Tint School stands as a prominent educational resource dedicated to equipping aspiring installers with comprehensive skills across diverse industry segments. Over the years, it has successfully trained more than 1,000 individuals, fostering expertise and proficiency in their respective fields.
This year alone, The Tint School has already trained nearly 270 students, solidifying its commitment to shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.
“In a shop, you’ve got deadlines, ringing phones, and an owner who is paying for the film,” Hunter says. “There are so many elements. But training in a safe space with zero expectations? That’s where the magic happens.”
The training curriculum at The Tint School encompasses automotive window tinting, paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coatings, and vehicle wraps. The entry-level program is designed to be completed over a two-day period, with a low student-to-trainer ratio of three to four students per class.
“A lot of these people haven’t touched window film before,” Hunter shares. “In a shop, you may have the best tinter in the whole world. But can they communicate and transfer their knowledge? That’s the key.”
Training the Future
Embarking on his journey in the film industry at the age of 18 in 1998, Hunter has since become a multifaceted professional. Beyond his pivotal role at The Tint School, he is the Founder of Tinta Tools and holds the position of General Manager at Premier Film Distribution (PFD) in Sydney, Australia.
The Tint School will expand with new locations in Atlanta, Ga., and Dallas, Texas, in 2024. Six of the company’s twelve trainers are former graduates of the program.
“Our trainers have a positive attitude, hold themselves in a professional manner, and are easy to get along with,” Hunter says. “It’s more than teaching a skill—it’s about the experience.”
Hunter says he and his team will support trainees as long as necessary—even after graduation.
“Five months ago, we trained a chef who had no idea how to tint windows,” Hunter says. “Today, he’s tinting 90 cars a month for dealerships. He wanted to give up, but we continued to work with him.”
With a smile and a laugh, Hunter adds, “All of my trainees have my number. Students joke that they don’t want to annoy me. But I signed up for this 15 years ago. If we haven’t heard from someone, we will reach out.”
Furthering Education
The Tint School currently offers training to students at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution in Australia. Hunter says the partnership represents a mission to broaden the spectrum of career opportunities available to young adults.
Reflecting on his journey, Hunter credits mentors Stan Foster, Owner of Alexia’s Window Tinting in Beaverton, Ore., and Fred Zwilling, Business Development Manager at Global Window Films.
“They helped me believe that I could be more than an installer,” Hunter says.
But not everyone supported Hunter’s cause.
“The amount of arrows and darts that get thrown at you as a trainer is unbelievable,” Hunter says. “Shop owners will scream at me, saying, ‘Who do you think you are to train? Who gave you permission?’ But we’re trying to better the industry.”
Hunter adds, “I wake up before anyone and work harder than anyone. It’s about holding yourself to a certain standard. There are no days off … It’s about showing up.”
Autobahn Australia
Autobahn recently announced an international expansion into Australia. Premier Film Distribution (PFD), a Distributor for Autobahn Australia’s Dealer and Distribution Network, will facilitate the launch in January 2024.
Click here to read more about the expansion. And click here to read about the Launch Party venues
Join the Family
Click here to learn how to join Autobahn’s family of dealers.