Automobile Collision Repairers

Employers

Automotive body and glass repairers hold about 177,400 jobs in the United States. Most work for body shops specializing in body repairs and painting, including private shops and shops operated by automobile dealers. Others work for organizations that maintain their own vehicle fleets, such as trucking companies and automobile rental companies. About 8 percent of automobile collision repairers are self-employed, operating small shops in cities large and small.

Starting Out

The best way to start out in the field of automobile collision repair is, first, to attend one of the many postsecondary training programs available throughout the country and, second, to obtain certification. Trade and technical schools usually provide job placement assistance for their graduates. Schools often have contacts with local employers who seek highly skilled entry-level employees. Often, employers post job openings at nearby trade schools with accredited programs. Many entry-level technicians that are hired have been selected from career or technical school programs.

Internship programs can provide students with valuable contacts who will be able to refer the student to future employers and provide a recommendation to potential employers once they have completed their training. Many students may even be hired by the company at which they interned.