What Training Is Needed for a Career in Automotive Body Repair?

<p>Formal training and on-the-job experience are preferred to become an automotive body repairman. The structure, components and materials in automobiles are always evolving due to technological advancements. An automotive body repair professional must have good math and reading skills and should be computer literate. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAutomotiveBodyRepair">Important Facts About Automotive Body Repair</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Entry Level Education </td><td> High school diploma; Some formal training preferred</td></tr> <tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Painting Technology, Frame Repair, Welding</td></tr> <tr><td> Certifications Available </td><td> ASE Blue Seal of Excellence, I-CAR Platinum Individual Recognition</td></tr> <tr><td> Specializations </td><td> Refinishing, Auto body estimating</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $47,270 (for automotive body and related repairers)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Growth (2021-2031) </td><td> 3% (for automotive body and related repairers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---AutoBodyRepairOverview">Auto Body Repair Overview</h3> <p>An auto body repair professional removes dents, replaces damaged parts that are beyond fixing and straightens panels. A skilled auto body repairman can work on a variety of vehicles and small trucks. The auto body repairman can also work on buses, large trucks and tractor-trailers. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerTrainingAndJobQualifications">Career Training and Job Qualifications</h3> <p>Employers prefer applicants with formal auto repair training. Advances in technology mean that the makeup of new vehicles tends to consist of steel, aluminum, metal alloys and plastics. Because of this, each vehicle must be dealt with uniquely to perform required repairs. Those pursuing a career as an auto body repairman can get formal training through community colleges and trade schools. Auto body repair training can be acquired through automotive service programs developed by high schools and vocational schools. The repairman must be able to understand manuals and diagrams. </p> <h3 id="section---SpecificTrainingInAutomotiveBodyRepair">Specific Training in Automotive Body Repair</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tells us that courses in electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers and mathematics will give the auto body repairman a good background for a career (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS recommends that auto body repairmen pursue continuing education as vehicle construction becomes more complex. Many companies in the industry send employees to seminars and classes to keep up with new technologies.</p>