Auto body repair technicians must have specialized skills, such as color-matching, repair estimating, technical/report writing, mechanical, mathematical, structural analysis and critical thinking skills. In addition, they must understand basic auto maintenance, frame repair, collision repair and replacement panels and the use of various materials in body work, according to DegreeDirectory.org. Auto body repair training programs teach students how to perform these duties.
Students interested in working in auto body repair can earn a diploma or even an associate degree in this field. As the technology needed to repair automobiles becomes more complicated, students who have degrees are much more employable and promotable than those without them. Kilgore College in Texas is an example of a school that offers an associate of applied science degree and three certificate programs in auto body repair technology. This school offers a strong National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation program. This type of program gives students textbook knowledge along with practical experience in a shop, which includes a co-operative work experience. Many colleges that offer auto body repair training programs also feature a job placement office to help graduates find job positions in the collision repair industry.
Auto body repair programs prepare students for certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Repairers can take up to four master collision repair and refinish exams. Those who pass at least one exam and have two years of hands-on work experience in the field earn certification. Also, completing a post-secondary program can be substituted for one year of work experience. Those who pass all four tests become master collision repair and refinish technicians. Technicians must retake the exam every five years to stay certified. Training through the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair also can lead to the title of platinum technician.
Auto body repair programs prepare students to understand body shop basics and shop tools, repairs and surface preparation, welding and metalworking, body painting and refinishing equipment, according to Education-Portal.com. Courses also cover topics such as repair shop practice/management, refinishing techniques, fiberglass and plastic fillers, computer technology, customer relations and information on the auto body repair and refinishing trade. In addition, some programs teach students about auto glass repair, vehicle interior trim and hardware and even vehicle measurement procedures.
Individuals who have completed an auto body repair training program can find work at auto dealerships, privately owned service shops/garages, custom paint and body shops, franchised auto collision shops and large commercial fleets. These professionals also can choose to establish their own businesses, or they can work for automobile auctions, car/truck rental shops or insurance companies.
Employment of auto body repairers is expected to grow by one percent from 2008 to 2018. Median hourly wages of automotive body repairers in May 2008 were $17.81.