Career:
Automotive Body
Repairer
Table of Contents
 

Dents and Dings

“Technology will make your job as an auto body repair technician easier. Computers will help you identify the tiny adjustments that need to be made, instead of your having to find problems on your own. Computers will even help you mix the paint.”

Automotive Body Repairer

Automotive Body Repairers tend to have the following characteristics:

  • Ability to handle and manipulate tools and equipment
  • Ability to do detail-oriented, precise work
  • An interest in cars
  • An eye for color
  • A desire to be knowledgeable in all kinds of new technology relating to the job
  • Good customer service skills
  • Excellent problem solving skills

Education Required:

Minimum of high school diploma; formal training programs and certification by the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are not mandatory but are preferred by most employers.

Suggested Courses:

English, math, chemistry, metal shop, computer applications

Career Information
What I do every day

My job is to take care of car bodies. Although some customers just want new paint jobs, I spend most of my time repairing cars that have been damaged from accidents. Sometimes the frame of the car needs to be straightened or the wheels need to be realigned. I repair a lot of dents and broken lights too. If a part is damaged beyond repair, I replace it. Then the car usually needs to be repainted.

The best part of my job

What I enjoy most is keeping up with technology. Engineers and scientists are always developing new techniques and materials to use in car repairs. I learn about new inventions by reading trade magazines and online articles and attending car manufacturers’ classes. It is important for my customers to know that they are getting state-of-the-art repairs.

The worst part of my job

When a customer brings in a car after an accident, I work with the person’s insurance company to decide which costs the company will approve. Sometimes these companies are hard to work with. Insurers don’t always want to pay the full price.