New member questions :)
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Alright just registered today haha, awesome site and everyone seems helpful! I just had a few questions as im trying to figure out a new path in life..
I’m currently debating on moving to Vancouver,bc to attend automotive refinishing prep program at Vancouver college. If anyone’s on the board that went there please let me know how it is!! Only thing is I was talking to a by that runs a paint store here in Victoria and he’s says its hard for a painter to get a job in bc especially a new grad.. So what are your guys take on that? I’ve never worked in a shop but tried to apply places and never got a reply back mainly because my resume doesn’t have any prep body work experience or anything.
I do enjoy ding little repairs and painting small stuff for friends and my own rides. Currently repaired and painted a bumper off my s2000.. Wasn’t with a actual gun but with cans (base and 2k clear aerosol). Came out really nice with slight orange peel of corse and paint was a shade darker than my car hahaha.. But what I’m trying to get to is I quite enjoy prepping the panels and painting. Would Thisbe enough to make it a career?
Thanks!!
:spraywelc:
[quote=”JayC” post=32856]Alright just registered today haha, awesome site and everyone seems helpful! I just had a few questions as im trying to figure out a new path in life..
I’m currently debating on moving to Vancouver,bc to attend automotive refinishing prep program at Vancouver college. If anyone’s on the board that went there please let me know how it is!! Only thing is I was talking to a by that runs a paint store here in Victoria and he’s says its hard for a painter to get a job in bc especially a new grad.. So what are your guys take on that? I’ve never worked in a shop but tried to apply places and never got a reply back mainly because my resume doesn’t have any prep body work experience or anything.
I do enjoy ding little repairs and painting small stuff for friends and my own rides. Currently repaired and painted a bumper off my s2000.. Wasn’t with a actual gun but with cans (base and 2k clear aerosol). Came out really nice with slight orange peel of corse and paint was a shade darker than my car hahaha.. But what I’m trying to get to is I quite enjoy prepping the panels and painting. Would Thisbe enough to make it a career?
Thanks!![/quote]
I took a College course here in AB about 10yrs ago, 9 month ‘pre-employment’ program, it was beneficial in that it got me into an entry level job, however I still needed to go the Apprenticeship route to get any ‘real’ recognized trade certifications. Compared to the $$$$$ you’ll invest in a College course vs Apprenticeship Trg, I’d go the Apprenticeship route every time.
If you are just getting into the trade, I’d bang on doors of all the bodyshops and offer to be a shop grunt and hope they’ll apprentice you after you’ve proven your worth. Once you get into a shop, you can take the $ you’d have invested in a College course and get yourself some decent tools! Don’t be afraid to tell a shop you’ll do whatever it takes to get into the trade!Not sure why you are moving to Vancouver, ( other than the weather )..and their hockey team sucks too…;)..but there are a ton of new/old drivers there so getting a job at a bodyshop shouldn’t be too hard :)…and don’t listen too hard to anyone working at a ‘store’…they have their own agenda.
If you want work, AB is always looking! ( and we have the Oilers! 😉 )
Thanks for the reply!
The only reason I would move to Vancouver would be for school as we don’t have any program here in victoria anymore. Id move back If I don’t like it there or if I like it then stay and find a job haha. There’s a lot more opportunities down there it seems vs victoria. Also the school does offer an apprentiship program which I’ll look into. The regular program is 8 months long full time. But I think I’m gunna goto their info session on the 28th and see what it’s all about . I think in the end I’ll probbaly move to get some credits. And see if I can get part time work in a shop.
Actually my gf was thinking of moving to AB for dental hygiene so that might happen after I’m done school.
I really appreciate your reply and look forward to this journey hahaha..[quote=”JayC” post=32868]Thanks for the reply!
The only reason I would move to Vancouver would be for school as we don’t have any program here in victoria anymore. Id move back If I don’t like it there or if I like it then stay and find a job haha. There’s a lot more opportunities down there it seems vs victoria. Also the school does offer an apprentiship program which I’ll look into. The regular program is 8 months long full time. But I think I’m gunna goto their info session on the 28th and see what it’s all about . I think in the end I’ll probbaly move to get some credits. And see if I can get part time work in a shop.
Actually my gf was thinking of moving to AB for dental hygiene so that might happen after I’m done school.
I really appreciate your reply and look forward to this journey hahaha..[/quote]It won’t hurt to attend the program, not sure of your technical background but they’ll teach you ( or should ) from the ground up so to speak… and it will help you get your foot in the door at most shops. It should give you credit ( hours ) towards your 1st, maybe your 2nd year Apprenticeship, and you may be able to challenge the 1st year exam, something to ask them during the info session. Having your 1st year under your belt will go a long way. If the program is similar to ours, you’ll be given one or two opportunities to work at a shop as ‘orientation’ for a couple of weeks( no wages ) it will give you an good idea what you’ll be getting into. Good luck!
I am not too familiar with that school. I did my apprenticeship training in Calgary at SAIT. If you are thinking of moving between BC and Alberta, I suggest doing your entire training in 1 province. Although both provinces train towards the Red Seal Interprovincial certification, the orientation of the Technical training is quite different. You will find wages generally higher in Alberta, especially around Calgary, Edmonton and Fort Mac. You will also probably find the pace a little more demanding in these areas. I am involved with the Apprenticeship Board for the Calgary area, if ther is anything I can help you with let me know.
Also, in regards to your earlier question about finding a job as a painter:
You need to keep in mind that there are multiple positions in the shop (painter, body man, prepper). An apprentice usually starts prepping (and possibly detailing, sweeping floors etc). You will not progress to any body work or paint unless your employer has real confidence in you. And when you do, it will usually be baby steps as you go. It could be years before you are trusted in the booth to paint or start doing large body repairs and structural work. Your body portion will initially be limited to changing small parts ( bumpers, fenders etc) and repairing small dents.
Once you’ve had a few years at it, most people lean towards either body or paint. Not a lot if people do both. Even after completing your apprenticeship you may still not be quit skilled enough to be left completely alone as the shops painter or full body man. There are so many things to this trade that it takes a long time to become quick at producing quality work. With overhead and materials so high, mistakes can be very costly. Earning trust and respect comes very slowly.
With that said, most shops have about 2-4 body men per painter. So it is sort of easier to get a job as a bodyman than a painter. Especially when your experience is limited. Prepper a on the other hand generally are hard to come by and may be in higher demand. It is hard to find a really good reliable prepper, and most prepper a want to become a painter or bodyman, so when they get good at prepping they move on…
I hope this helps you understand things a bit better.
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