Body Repair Technician & Apprentice

Job Description

Auto body shops are the most common employers of body repair technicians. The ultimate goal of a body repair technician is to restore a customer’s vehicle to the condition it was in before the damage was received. Hence, technicians fix cars after they’ve been damaged in an accident or other incidents. They use a wide array of tools to cut off old parts, connect new parts to the car, fill holes, repair scratches, dents and dings, and make the car look as good as new.

Body repair technicians repair the body/structure/mechanical components to the point of pre-accident condition. Depending on skill set there may be variances in what each technician can perform – i.e.: Level 1 – ALL, including structural  Level 2 – ALL excluding structural (repair/replace panels) Level 3 – Small production type repair only (interchangeable parts, small repair etc.).

Auto body repair is a regulated trade. Qualified individuals may obtain a certificate which confirms its holder has the skills, knowledge and experience that meet industry standards of practice.  The term of apprenticeship for an auto body technician is 4 years (four 12 month periods). This includes a set number of hours on-the-job and technical training.

Auto body repair jobs require a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing automotive world. Auto body repair workers are required to drive customer vehicles short distances to ensure that repairs are complete and the vehicle is suitably repaired.

Auto body repair careers require the ability to communicate effectively with customers. Having the ability to listen to what the customer is saying is vital in this field. Auto body repair careers also require excellent customer service skills. The ability to deal with customers and provide them with the service that they require results in a client that is satisfied.

Salary

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Graph Table

Average Salaries by Region

Canada $73,934

British Columbia $88,159

Alberta $75,513

Saskatchewan & Manitoba $81,053

Ontario $75,006

Quebec $60,352

Atlantic Provinces $47,985

Region	Average Salary
Canada	$73,934
British Columbia	$88,159
Alberta	$75,513
Saskatchewan & Manitoba	$81,053
Ontario	$75,006
Quebec	$60,352
Atlantic Provinces	$47,985

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Source: AIA Study

Occupation Outlook

Full Time & Part Time Breakdown

Full Time vs. Part Time Overall

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Full Time in 2018

98%

Part Time in 2018

2%

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Graph Table

Region	Full Time	Part Time
B.C.	99%	0%
Alberta	99%	0%
Saskatchewan & Manitoba	99%	0%
Ontario	99%	0%
Quebec	97%	2%
Atlantic	89%	10%

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Source: AIA Study

Diversity

Education, Training & Experience

•  Valid Drivers License
•  High School diploma or equivalent
•  I-Car certification is an asset
•  Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program

or

A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in automotive technology is required to be eligible for trade certification.

•  Trade certification for technicians are required by certain provinces
•  Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified technicians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. (The Red Seal Interprovincial Standards Program, also known as Red Seal or simply IP, is a set of trade qualifications in Canada, jointly administered by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments.)
•  Apprenticeship programs are available with apprentices working under certified technicians.
•  Training is a combination of on-the-job and in class
•  Experience required usually ranges from 1-5 years

On average body repair technicians have

15.8 years of experience

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Graph Table

Avg. Years Experience Breakdown

Less than 1 year 2%

1-5 years 18%

Over Five Years 80%

Avg. Years Experience Breakdown

Experience	Percentage
Less than 1 year	2%
1-5 years	18%
Over Five Years	80%

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Source: AIA Study

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