Possible First Steps
HIGH SCHOOL CO-OP
A part-time placement opportunity is usually offered to high school students wanting to learn about a career in autobody repair, automotive paint and refinishing and damage analysis. At the programs, students are assigned mentors to teach them, and they perform light duties during their assigned work term. This is a great way to get a “taste” of a career in this field, and discover if you have a knack for it that you are willing to nurture.
REGISTERED AUTOBODY REPAIR APPRENTICE
On average, a four-year contract between the provincial trades licensing body, the collision repair centre and the apprentice will provide the mandated skills-training and learning opportunities for the apprentice to qualify for certification. Apprentices are also required to complete a four to eight-week college course for every level of their apprenticeship, and should complete the program with a thorough understanding of working in an autobody repair facility.
Possible Second Steps
LICENCED AUTOBODY COLLISION AND DAMAGE REPAIRER
This individual is responsible for repair planning, structural repairs, and refinishing. These tasks require extensive skill and knowledge, and thus these individuals need to be extremely well trained. They may specialize in various OEM steel structural and aluminum structural certifications. Doing so can open job opportunities immensely.
LICENCED AUTOBODY REPAIRER
The licensed autobody repairer is responsible for repair planning, non-structural repairs, and refinishing.They can capably handle almost all needed tasks, with an exception of structural repair.
CHARTING CAREERS IN COLLISION
Unlike many other industries, collision repair has many executives whose careers started not with degrees, but with practical experience on the shop floor. No matter where your career begins in this industry, whether it starts with prepping cars for paint or washing them after a repair, there is a wide world of opportunity ahead to suit your interests and aspirations. For those with the ambition and drive to keep up with this fast-paced industry, whether they enter it from the business side or through the shop floor, the promise of a rewarding career is almost assured. Here is a look at some of the first steps someone can take in building their career.
DETAILER AND LOT CO-ORDINATOR (CAR JOCKEY)
This is a labour intensive intensive job(s) that require a driver’s license and the ability to operate both standard and automatic transmission. On the job should be training provided
PARTS CLERK
The parts clerk is an administrative position. This person is responsible for ordering and receiving parts, as well as maintaining inventory for production. On the job training should be provided.
LICENCED AUTOBODY PAINTER
This person is devoted to refinishing and painting vehicle components. On top of these tasks, they are usually responsible for matching colours, removing exterior trim and hardware, mixing paints and preparing surfaces for painting.
LICENCED AUTOBODY SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Responsible for diagnostic troubleshooting and mechanical repairs, the licensed automotive service technician is vital to those first few steps of getting a repair done—determining what is damaged, the repairs needed and the costs and time necessary to do so.
The above positions may lead to more senior positions, administration, management, corporate or ownership roles. Stay tuned for upcoming issues of Bodyworx Professional magazine to get the details.
