Auto Body Repair is a very competitive field, and to excel in it you will need training from a reputable Auto Body Repair School. This is no longer one of those trades that you can “get by” with learning as you go unless you want a low paying job cleaning up after others. Experience is the only way to go far in this career and the only way you are going to get it at this point is with schooling.
It is simple for us as quality auto body repair schools can be found nationwide with very little effort. Some are college programs that last for two years and include all the traditional college core courses, while others are technical schools dedicated solely to the auto body repair field. My choice would be going with a dedicated trade school as it gives much more hands on training time. Most of the institutions will split the courses time between book learning and working in the shop applying what was just learned. Ignorant people will argue that hands on training will be plenty for this career and the truth is in fact the opposite. If you choose not to learn the theory you can put you and others in serious danger. Complicated circuits, air bag components, and high voltage hybrids are just some of the cutting edge technology you will experience in the field, and learning from your mistakes is definitely not a good idea. A much better method of learning is to hit the books first, and later apply what you have learned in the field. For reference we have given you a few options to consider in Auto Body Repair Schools.
Lincoln Technical College is my primary choice for a school. I can say this because I have attended there and can attest for the quality that they provide. LTI has campuses across the country and has a very good collision repair program. Using a systems approach they will break down different parts of the automobile in the classroom, and later use that knowledge in the shop. They have agreements with the giant auto manufacturers as they will train you to work on a certain make or model if you would like. With affiliations with major tool companies they can provide students discounted rates. They also go by Nashville Auto-Diesel College and Lincoln College of Technology.
Wyotech: Wyotech’s Collision refinishing technology program is also widely known. Branded as the official school tech school of the NHRA this school has no shortages in ties to the motor sports industry. Among others former Xtreme 4×4 host Jessi Combs was a Wyotech grad in their collision repair program. In addition to taking the core curriculum students are allowed to major in specialty areas including trim and upholstery, applied service management, motor sports chassis fabrication, and street rod and custom fabrication.
In addition to the trade school route, you should also look into community colleges offering auto body repair or collision repair courses.
Looking to find the best information on Auto Body Repair, then visit www.autobodyrepair.com to find the best advice on a Auto Body Repair School for you.