How to Learn Auto Body Repair

There are many ways to prepare for an auto body repair career. The earlier the person starts, the easier it will be to find work at an auto body repair shop. Many shops hire students while they are still in high school, for part-time positions as an apprentice. It is also possible for adults who are no longer in school to learn auto body repair.

• Meet with your high school guidance counselor if you are still a student. Ask the counselor to sign you up for auto shop and other courses to prepare for an auto body repair career. The courses will also help you to gain admission into a college or auto body school after graduation.  


• Take auto body repair classes at a local community college. Even if you graduated high school long ago, you can still enroll in community college classes to learn auto body repair. Contact a counselor at the college to determine which classes will best prepare you to work as an auto body specialist.


• Enroll in an auto body school to learn how to repair different vehicles. Search for a school in your area and set up a time to meet with an admissions officer. Take a copy of your high school or college transcript with you to the meeting. Find out how much the school costs and then enroll if the curriculum meets your requirements.  


• Look for a trade school that has auto body repair classes. Read the school’s course guide to decide if you will receive the proper education. Get in touch with a counselor if you want to find out more about what the school has to offer.


• Contact a local auto body repair shop to try and find a job. Many shops train their employees in house instead of requiring them to obtain an education from an outside source. You may have to start as an apprentice, but you should be able to move up quickly if you work hard to learn how to repair autos the right way.