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Considering a career in collision repair? If you love working with your hands, have an eye for detail and are passionate about cars, this could be the perfect industry for you. Experienced, well-trained technicians can benefit from exciting opportunities throughout their careers.
Universal Technical Institute’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program teaches students the skills needed to reshape and restore a wide range of vehicles. Our curriculum is developed with I-CAR, the provider of collision repair training standards as defined by car manufacturers, insurance companies and employers in the industry.
When it comes to learning about potential career opportunities in the collision industry, there’s no one better to consult than I-CAR itself. Read along as Bill Stage, I-CAR’s business development principal, shares what it takes to become a successful collision repair technician, what the future of the industry looks like, the potential career trajectory for an experienced technician and more.
According to Bill, “A collision repair technician’s role is to help repair a collision-damaged vehicle utilizing proper repair procedures, parts and paint.”
Accidents happen on roadways every day, and trained technicians are needed to fix the damage. A collision repair technician’s job is to repair these vehicles so they look and drive like new.
Every accident is different, which means the damage technicians come across always presents a new set of challenges. For this reason, it’s important for collision repair technicians to be trained and well-versed in different repair techniques required to fix whatever jobs may come their way.
The role of a collision repair technician is complex. These professionals must have a particular set of skills, which requires the completion of a training program that will expose them to the types of scenarios they’ll experience in the field.
According to Bill, “Training is very important in the collision repair field because vehicles are continually changing and being upgraded with new construction materials and techniques, and new technology. The most important quality of a training program is that it stays current with the technical information in the industry.”
Ongoing changes and advancements in technology have increased the skill level required of collision repair professionals. Vehicles on the road today are more complex than ever, so it’s important for aspiring collision professionals to complete a training program that meets the industry standard.
The best way to prepare for a career in this field is to take advantage of a school that teaches the I-CAR Professional Development Program. Developed in conjunction with I-CAR, UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program can prepare you for an entry-level position in the collision industry.1
According to Bill, “The collision repair industry is a dynamic industry, constantly changing with new material and technology being applied to vehicles.”
“Many of the new systems are electronic, requiring knowledge of computer systems and applications. Today’s vehicles must be repaired following specific repair procedures, requiring an individual with research skills and the ability to read and comprehend these procedures,” he continues.
Benefits of being a member of this industry include:
Succeeding as a collision repair technician requires a specific set of skills and qualities in addition to training. According to Bill, these include:
An education in collision repair doesn’t have to lead to just one career path. There are many different collision repair industry jobs!5
According to Bill, a collision repair technician can continue in training and education to pursue a variety of different positions, including these advanced roles:
Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with hard work.77
When it comes to career advancement, Bill shares that the best way to advance is to work hard and learn as much about your current position as possible. “Hone your skills to be the best at what you do. Explore your career options, identify one or two you would like to pursue, and begin training for those positions,” he says.
The collision repair industry has become much more complex over time. According to Bill, “A technician today needs to do research before beginning to repair a vehicle to obtain the proper repair procedures. The damage estimate needs to be complete following a technique called blueprinting.”
Here are some quick facts about collision industry trends, according to I-CAR:
Bill goes on to share that the job outlook is bright for collision repair technicians. “We are currently experiencing a severe shortage of technicians. The increased complexity of vehicle design will assure continued growth.” The time is right to train for a career in this industry!
Want to pursue a career in collision repair? At Universal Technical Institute, we have the training to get you there. Learn more on our Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program page.
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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
5) UTI programs prepare graduates for careers in industries using the provided training, primarily as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as a technician, such as: parts associate, service writer, fabricator, paint and paint prep, and shop owner/operator. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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