Steps to Becoming a Chandler Auto Body Repair Technician

Steps to Becoming a Chandler Auto Body Repair Technician.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics are expected to grow 9 percent between 2012 and 2022. Jobs for automotive body and glass repairers are expected to grow 13 percent in the same time period. Working as a mechanic or auto body repair technician can set you up for a long and fruitful career.

If you think that you’re ready to start your path to becoming a body repair expert in Chandler, here’s what you need to know about how to get started:

High School Education

The only true requirement for working as a Chandler body repair technician is that you have a high school diploma. But if you really want to set yourself apart, you won’t stop at just the basics. Starting in high school, you can set yourself up for success by taking classes in math, physics, chemistry and electronics. Of course, you’ll also need good written and verbal communication skills, so taking English classes will also help you.

If your high school has shop classes, you should take them. The hands-on experience with the tools will help you tremendously in your training. Take automotive courses if you can, but take the generic shop classes if those are all that are offered.

Associate’s Degree or Certificate

Getting an associate’s degree or certificate in mechanics or body repair isn’t necessary to start work, but it will give you a jump start on your career. With this formal training, you will set yourself apart from other candidates and show that you have the skills and experience to start work right away (without the extended training).

Most certificate programs last between six months and a year, while most associate’s degree programs are a full two years. The associate’s degree programs also include general education in topics like English and math — which, as previously mentioned, are just as important to the job.

Automotive Service Excellence Certification

Employers throughout Arizona will look favorably upon certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). With this certification, you are more likely to get hired and to be offered a higher starting pay.

To get this certification, you need to have a certain amount of experience and you must take and pass an exam. As a body repair technician, you will need one to three years of experience. If you want to be a collision damage estimator, you will need two years of experience. You can learn more about the requirements and get information about testing on their website.

Apprenticeship

Chandler expert collision  servicesIn some cases, you may be able to get experience and on-the-job training as an apprentice. Apprenticeships used to be common, but they are slowly dying out. If you can still find companies that offer apprenticeships, apply for one. You will get invaluable training from someone who has been in the field for years. You’ll also make instant contacts that can lead to great job opportunities.

All of the body repair specialists at Excel Collision and Glass Centers have received extensive training and experience to get the job done right. They have the certification and expertise to make seamless repairs, no matter how much damage your car has suffered in an accident. Contact us today if you want a quote for your body repair or if you are interested in becoming a body repair technician with one of the best body repair teams in Chandler.

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Excel Collision and Glass Centers in ArizonaExcel Collision and Glass Centers

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1135 S. Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85210

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Mesa, AZ 85206

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610 E. 39th Ave.
Apache Junction, AZ 85119

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