Collision Repair Job Description
Car accidents happen. It is up to collision repair specialists to ensure you cannot tell a car was ever in an accident by repairing damages from scratched paint to total part replacement. These professionals restore damaged cars to their original conditions. They must know how to use the tools in the shop to repair assigned cars. They must continue to learn new repair techniques as technologies continue to emerge.
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Education
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Collision repair specialists should at least have a high school diploma or GED. Those who excel in math and science have the strongest foundation for succeeding as a collision repair specialist. Entry-level mechanics often transition into the position of collision repair specialist.
Schools and repair businesses offer apprenticeships for promising collision repair technicians. Those who have taken part in apprentice programs will be preferred, as these programs educate technicians on the skills and techniques required to succeed at a collision repair shop. These professionals must pursue continuing education that is offered by manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
Mechanics can become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Skills
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Collision repair technicians must enjoy working with cars. They must be manually dexterous and have good hand-eye coordination. They must have physical strength and be able to lift and bend. Collision repair specialists must take pride in their work and have patience. These professionals must work well under pressure. They must be able to interpret digital manuals and they must know how to use metal cutting guns, hydraulic jacks, pick hammers and solder.
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Responsibilities
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Collision repair technicians must measure the frame of cars that have been in accidents to determine if the overall structure and alignment has been damaged. They must straighten bodies of bent cars. They must remove dents and replace parts that cannot be repaired. These mechanics must be able to work on vehicles of all makes and sizes, from compact cars to tractor trailers.
Compensation
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The average hourly wage for automotive repair workers was $17.81 in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Full-time employees are often eligible for medical benefits and retirement packages.
Job Outlook
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Employment for collision repair technicians is predicted to grow by 1 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As more cars are declared total losses after accidents, fewer cars will need to be repaired.
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References
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- Photo Credit mechanism image by Volodymyr Vasylkiv from Fotolia.com
