Automobile Collision Repairers

Many community colleges and park districts offer general auto maintenance, mechanics, and body repair workshops where students can get additional practice working on real cars and learn from experienced instructors. Trade publications such as Autbody Repair Network and Fender Bender (https://www.fenderbender.com/magazine) and Autobody News (https://www.autobodynews.com) are an excellent source for learning what's new in the industry. Such publications may be available at larger public libraries or vocational schools. Many journals also post current and archived articles on the Internet.

Many Web sites also provide information about the field. CollisionCareers.com, for example, offers information on careers and educational requirements in the field. Working on cars as a hobby provides invaluable firsthand experience in repair work. A part-time job in a repair shop or dealership allows a feel for the general atmosphere and the kind of problems repairers face on the job as well as provide a chance to learn from those already in the business.

Skills in surface preparation, spray gun operation, paint mixing, matching and applying, solving paint applications problems, determining finish defects with an understanding of causes and cures, masking, and utilizing safety precautions. Competitors also complete an interview and an ASE written exam.

Some high school students may gain exposure to automotive repairs through participation in organizations, such as SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org). SkillsUSA coordinates competitions in several vocational areas, including automotive refinishing technology. This competition "includes a series of workstations to assess skills in surface preparation, spray gun operation, paint mixing, matching and applying, solving paint applications problems, determining finish defects with an understanding of causes and cures, masking, and utilizing safety precautions." SkillsUSA chapters are available in all 50 states. Skills Competences Canada (https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com) offers competitions (e.g., Car Painting, Sheet Metal Work, Welding, Autobody Repair, Automobile Technology) for those who reside in Canada.