HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path starts in secondary school with courses in shop, mechanics, math, and English, plus hands-on experience through auto clubs, co-op, or part-time work if available. After graduation, many people learn through an employer-based apprenticeship, a college or private training program, or a mix of school and on-the-job training. Early experience often includes helping with basic repairs, parts removal, sanding, masking, and surface prep under supervision. Requirements can vary by employer and province, and some employers may prefer related training or previous shop experience.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Review damage report and estimates of repair cost and plan work to be performed
- Repair and replace front end components, body components, doors and frame and underbody components
- Hammer out dents, buckles and other defects using blocks and hammers
- Operate soldering equipment or use plastic filler to fill holes, dents and seams
- Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills using wrenches and cutting torch and bolt or weld replacement parts into place
- Straighten bent frames using frame and underbody pulling and anchoring equipment
- File, grind and sand repaired body surfaces using hand and power tools
- Mask and tape auto body surfaces in preparation for painting
- Mix paint, blend and match colors
- Apply primers and repaint surfaces using brush or spray guns
- Repair and replace glass components such as windshields, windows and sunroofs
- Repair or replace interior components, such as seat frame assembly, carpets and floorboard insulation
- Inspect repaired vehicles and test drive vehicles for proper handling.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Computerized equipmentDealing with the PublicGood Hand-eye CoordinationDiagrams/schematicsTaking Directions