Looks like a made another bad career choice on getting a job at a shop that looked like a great place to work.

Today I was let go because of financial reasons and since I am the newest guy on the roster. I got the shaft. I had only been there since October. The shop I had left to go here had the same problem and my hours were cut to one day a week. graemlins/sad.gif

I have been doing this full time since I graduated for tech school in 1998. I am actually a mechanic and I have been told that a mechanic will make more the a body guy. Well I have heard of some highly paid body guys so I am not so sure about that. I know I am not making trips to deposit money thats for sure.

So now I am strongly considering getting into the body shop side of this industry.

Questions....

Are there positions for guys that have limited expierence in body work but have the tools and some skills to repair the cars after paint and colision repair is done?

Where could an expierenced technician get his foot in the door in this business? Are there entry level jobs?

I will have to wait for the fall of 05 to get into school for this type of work so I wouldnt mind getting some sort of head start.

Thanks for your time.

Chris.

bodymen who earn big bucks are commision guys who have the tools and knowhow to use them efficiantly. limited expierence guys are typically paid hourly. 4 bodymen side by side in my shop make very different wages! they work the same hours, and maybe just as hard, but not as smart! thats why one makes more than the other. :D it is hard to find good quality entry level techs.

Chris, the offerings can be dramatically different from area to area. I do have to say, around here ANY bodyman is welcome when he walks in looking for a job. Be it experienced or entry level, there just isn't the amount of guys getting into this trade as there was years ago.

There are lots of body shops who have a full time mechanic on the premises. That would be a good way to get into it. As far as pay, again, there are such wide differences from area to area let alone state to state. Around here a journeyman tech be it mechanic or bodyman working hourly makes about 60K plus bonuses if they offer them. That isn't going to get you the Hope Diamond but it's not bad. Commission, six figures is common.

I have to go somewhere that you may not want me to but here goes.

You have been "laid off" now from two shops. You have got to honestly look at yourself, could this be your fault? Could you need to spend some more time somewhere learning for less dough? Could you be a better employee as far as giving of yourself to the shop. What I mean by that is, are you on time? Do you work eight full hours everyday and ask for more? Have you been there everyday without calling in "sick" on Monday morning after partying on the weekend? Do you get along with the other guys?

Just some things to think about.

Originally posted by MARTINSR:
You have been "laid off" now from two shops. You have got to honestly look at yourself, could this be your fault? Could you need to spend some more time somewhere learning for less dough? Could you be a better employee as far as giving of yourself to the shop. What I mean by that is, are you on time? Do you work eight full hours everyday and ask for more? Have you been there everyday without calling in "sick" on Monday morning after partying on the weekend? Do you get along with the other guys?

Just some things to think about. I can understand the reason for asking that question. I can say that its not my work ethic or my personall skills. I came out and asked him that and put him right on the spot so he could tell me if that was the case. He didnt really have anything to say about that. I havent gotten into any sort of discrepency at work. We all laughed and had a good time.

I look at myself almost everytime I have to change jobs and wonder what is wrong with me. But when shops claim they have to cut employees, then im not sure if I should look and see if its me thats the problem or the shops I choose to work at. I just dont know anymore.

The strange thing was they had me set up for company training for next month. Thats not a cheap expense for a shop.

Chris.

Chris, I see you are a Darell Abbott fan. I don't know if you saw over on bench racing thread where I posted. My son handed me a pick yesterday that he got from Abbott at a show just a month ago. I don't mind telling you, that was a little creepy.

Originally posted by MARTINSR:
Chris, I see you are a Darell Abbott fan. I don't know if you saw over on bench racing thread where I posted. My son handed me a pick yesterday that he got from Abbott at a show just a month ago. I don't mind telling you, that was a little creepy. Yea, I read that. Saw them live 2 weeks ago.

Chris.

Are there any fleet shops in your area looking for help? Government or Utility.