Collision Repair Technician

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
• Plan work procedures.
• Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
• Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
• Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
• Cut materials according to specifications or needs.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
• Install vehicle parts or accessories.
• Operate welding equipment.

Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Having face-to-face discussions.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• Working indoors in non-environmentally controlled conditions.
• High levels of competition.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.

Tools & Technology used by Collision Repair Technician

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Collision Repair Technicians

• Repairing—Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Operating Equipment—Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Troubleshooting—Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Being Aware of Others—Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Collision Repair Technicians

• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Transportation—Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Chemistry—Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 10.4% growth need for Collision Repair Technicians to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, but many professionals attend some college. This job does not require a license, but certifications could aid in showcasing knowledge.

Visit the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence for more information about this career, as well as links to education and training programs in Minnesota.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Automobile and Diesel Mechanics
• Business English
• Chemistry
• Industrial Technology
• Manufacturing System
• Metalworking
• Physics
• Pre-Calculus
• Transportation Technology
• Trigonometry

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise