Auto body work requires an intricate knowledge of the trade and craft.
Auto body repair and auto body painting are part of a technologically advancing industry. Initially, a person desiring work in the auto body field could work for a garage or repair shop, like an apprenticeship, and learn the trade through experience. Trade and technical schools are ever increasing, and now it is recommended to have both a formal education and work experience in order to make the most of a career in auto body painting and repair.
Instructions
1. Enroll in a trade school or technical school that specializes in auto body repair. This will teach the basics of the auto body repair process including the techniques such as fixing dents, replacing auto body parts, alterations and improvements, as well as painting and detailing cars. Usually a certificate, diploma or associate's degree is awarded upon completion.
2. Work for a small garage or auto body shop. Starting small allows time to improve on the formal education, learn tricks of the trade from experienced people in the field and improve technique through practice. Some larger garages and auto body repair businesses will hire people fresh out of school.
3. Practice auto body repair and painting techniques as much as possible. With auto body repair, many techniques can be applied to junk cars such as those in repair lots or junk yards. This allows the person to practice what he has learned without the risk of causing damage to a customer's vehicle. Painting techniques are essential to auto body repair, and can take years to master; a single paint drip mark can create the need to completely redo a paint job, wasting time and money for a business.
4. Subscribe to auto body repair and paint magazines. These often provide inside tips, suggestions for improving techniques and up-to-date styles that customers may desire for alterations on vehicles. Additionally, the magazines will suggest schools or places to learn techniques. Magazines are also a great way to stay informed on changes to new models of vehicles.
5. Attend automobile manufacturer seminars and events. These are regularly conducted for those in the automotive and auto body industries to keep professionals informed of any changes, updates, modifications and technological advances of automobiles and can be of great help to a career in the auto body repair and painting field.
Tags: auto body, auto body repair, body repair, auto body painting, body painting, body repair, body repair painting
