Getting Started in Collision Repair
Thinking about becoming an auto body repair person? Below are some tips to get started in an auto body career.
General qualifications:
- Take English, Math, and Computer Science in high school.
- Enroll in mechanics or fabrication classes in a high school, community college, or other vocational schools.
- Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
Professional training:
- Technical apprenticeship training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
- Both NAIT and SAIT offer excellent technical programs.
- You can begin your auto body apprenticeship during high school, or afterwards with an employer.
Employment:
- Auto body technicians work at auto repair shops, auto dealerships, trucking companies, or custom shops.
- To work in Alberta as an auto body technician, you must be a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson, or hold a recognized trade certificate.
- Journeyperson wages vary depending on pay system–flat rate or hourly. Hourly wages generally range from $19 to $35 an hour.
What is an apprentice?
- An apprentice is someone learning a trade while he or she is employed and earning money.
- Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience, and technical training in a trade.
- An apprenticeship program lasts from 1 to 4 years, depending on the trade.
- When an apprentice successfully completes his or her apprenticeship program, they graduate to become a certified journeyperson.