hey all, i've been recently considering going in the the body work trade, and was wondering how exactly do you get a start? is there a school for it or do you get hired at a shop and just learn that way, or does it really depend on each shop? just wondering, trying to get a feel for what i'd be looking at if i did decide to go for it. thanks in advance!
-sean

I started washing cars at a shop then went to Vo-tech. Most of my experience was learned on the job. Shops like real world experience and don't seem impressed by 'schools'. I learned a lot working at dealerships.I took all the 'Factory training' classes they would give me and paid attention to the old timers. I basically learned the trade on their dime.Now i own my own shop. You would probably start as a helper and work your way up.Its a slow climb up the latter and you won't make real money until you have at least 5 years experience.

I started in my backyard, worked in shops part time through high school, went to Ferris State for two years, worked in 7 different bodyshops and dealerships after that. A good shcool will get you in the door of some shops but shop experience is where you really learn. Own your own shop if you can, wish I wouldn't have waited 20 years. Get some shop experience first to see if you truly have an interest in this work. Keep in mind you'll be working with hazardous materials and buying tools forever. Bob

I have to agree with the others, a school will get you into some shops. Just about any TECH school offers a collision class. Just in Iowa there are like 5 schools that I know of. But for the most part lots of shop will pass on ya cause of the no experience. Pretty much now days you need to be ASE and or ICAR cert for liability reasons. Without those you WONT even get close to the bigger shops that pay good money

I started out in a shop sweeping floors at age 10-11, only cause my Dad was a high school friend of the owner. Saw a 49-50 Merc customized in everywhich way, right here and then KNEW what I wanted to do.

If you are still in HS ask the local shops if they need help just cleaning the place up, or sanding parts. Pay attention to the guys working!!! Keep your mouth shut and your ears, eyes open.

If you decide to go to TECH, dontt pi$$ away the time you have there. Get your arse in gear and learn as much as you can. Also the tool companies like to give BIG discounts to students. Where I went we paid for what it cost the dealers or list :eek: While there even if you have too take out a loan buy as much as you can...Eric

I agree with everything said, but I want to say i have a lot more credence in schooling. For Bob and Boomhauer to say that the schooling they took doesn't matter much, makes no sense because they don't know where they would be at today if not for the schooling (with all do respect to you guys smile.gif ) And likewise, for someone to say that schooling does no good without sitting down and doing some honest to goodness "book learn'in" they don't have a leg to stand on.

EVER SINGLE THING YOU CAN LEARN HELPS YOU DO THE JOB and not only that but WHERE EVER YOU CAN LEARN IT IS WHERE YOU SHOULD BE

I have went to ICAR classes to "get the job" too, don't get me wrong. But I have to say, I learned a heck of a lot by it. I know take the classes with an understanding. I have that certificate for the boss....and the knowledge for ME .

Get all you can, every place you can. Most guys who have a "problem" with "book learn'in" are the guys who have a problem, PERIOD. They are the ones who think they know it all and have a problem..well....learning.

Obviously everyone here has had some formal training. All of us are professional autobodymen with enough where-with-all to take the time to give you some good advice so I am not talking about anyone here. But just in general, bodymen will scoff at schooling while "Auto body technicians" will believe in it. Even though many guys don't like the "PC" "Auto body technician" title, that is what everyone in this thread is. We have all had formal training and believe me, we have all learned a BUNCH from it. Even if we don't want to admit it smile.gif

Learn all you can, anywhere you can and you will be a more valuable employee. And it will make your work more enjoyable too!

Ya and MartinSr is writin one so learn up!!! graemlins/hurray.gif

Martin is right schooling is important in any field now adays. if you don't have certs you don't get the job, back in the days you could get in and work your way up but those days are gone. gotta have the certs and schooling. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

ALL of our production staff are Trade School Graduates..... One exception. One Mechanic worked at the Mechanical shop when I acquired it.

That amounts to 5 body men, 2 Painters 3 Mechanics, plus the one we inherited.

We rarely interview any technicians that are not Trade school Graduates, with their ASE qualifications in their area.

We require all Technicians to maintain ongoing training in their specialty. That includes: ICAR, Manufacturer, and any other relevant related training opportunities.

We maintain an on-going relationship with our local Trade Schools. We hired three of our present Technicians when they started school.

They worked for us part time, whenever they could.
We partnered them with experienced Technicians to accelerate their learning curve.

Trade School will only teach you how not to kill or injure yourself when trying to develop your skills.

It will take, (as stated by others) at least 5 (five) years before you can hope to be productive, reasonably confident, and capable.....

All this being said.. We hire attitude first.

I too, grew up hanging around a Shop. Got my first paycheck at age 11. Took one night class in refinishing. All other "training" took place on the job. Learned from those I worked with. Never did work as a full time Body or Paint Tech. until I started my Business. I was the body-paint-detailer-estimater, etc.

Couldn't get by doing that today. Cars are too complicated, standards are much higher, no room for error.

Automotive is a great Industry. There are many areas to excel in. We need good people that care.

As Usual, Heed the wisdom of sevt_chevelle @ MARTINSR.

Karl

I never said the schooling i had didn't matter much.Just the opposite,I went to Vo tech to learn the basics, then when i worked for dealerships i took all they would give me! Because i knew i would need/use that knowledge down the road when i opened my own shop. The point i was trying to make is that you can't expect to go to an auto body school,like the ones you see advertised on TV,(i dont mean ASE or ICAR) then waltz into a shop and be an auto body tech making a good living.It doesn't happen like that. Like most occupations you have to start at the bottom. graemlins/beers.gif

thank you all for the great advice. as i said before i had no idea where to even start, but i knew that you guys would be able to help me out. i appreciate it, you guys rock.

its a dirty job try a diffrent career

Storm, please enlighten me why its a DIRTY job?

I see 6 guys in the collision repair field all from different regions gave replys and not one of them said "This job is for the birds and MAN do I wish I found a different career"

Sean, sorry but dont listen to this fool, you gotta do WHAT makes you happy. It doesnt matter if its painting cars or writing speeding tickets if you like it thats all that counts...Eric

It's only "dirty" if you work in a pig pin hillbilly shop. These days with shops like where I work, it is clean and safe.

I use to think the same thing, that is why I took the rep job. But after seeing the shops that I "could" work at (nice and clean), I went back into the business.

I agree about the schooling!

Good topic! I am an engineer by day and a mech/bodyman/painter by night, funny thing is that I spend half the day at work wishing I was doing the hobby for a living. Engineering is not bad, but would much rather be working on a master piece! I would start up a shop, but just don't trust the radical democrats that will eventually regulate gasoline engines and VOCs so heavily that it will drive everyone into the ground. I still have at least 30 years to work and probably more since I will never see a penny of Social Security - believe me, the regulations will come in this 30 years and I will be too old to hire.