Training & Experience
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- This topic has 5 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by Chris.
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- November 25, 2013 at 11:10 am #45506
I am new to this forum. I see there is a high percentage of entry level people here. After making my living as a shop owner for a long time I wanted to pass along some advice. As you begin to try and make a living in this trade push yourself to excel in the class room as much as you do in the shop. Strive for excellence. Educate yourselves on modern technology in every aspect of an automobile. Consider the electronics as much as the metal and paint. You can not achieve a professional career without many years of shop experience combined with lots of class time. I hear far too often that class time is lost time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
My shop is not very big compared to many. I do own a shop with many awards and training certificates. I have watched many shops come and go broke over 45 years in the trade. I am reaching the last years of my work. I go to training every chance I get. I still work in my shop. I love what I do.
Millions of people can fix a damaged car. Only a small percentage ever reach the level of professional. Experience is huge. 10 years to reach apprentice level. Without training during your start up decade 90% drop out for another career. It takes attention to detail in every aspect. From metallurgy to polishing. And “EVERYTHING” in between. A proper repair will last the whole life of the car and be perfectly safe in a subsequent crash anytime in its life. Corrosion inside of a rail for an example 10 years after you worked on it is equally deadly as a young welder lacking professional training. Remember, everything matters. Shinny paint means nothing if the work under it kills an innocent family. Take your work seriously. If your boss does not… Find another job.November 26, 2013 at 6:05 am #45515Entry level?Your kidding right….there are plenty of guys here with decades of experience that do there job very well.
I agree with Jason there more talented professionals on this site than any other I have seen I have 20 plus years of experience as tech painter manager and owner and learn new things from the guys on this site everyday maybe you need to read a little more before making that type of statement in my opinion
November 26, 2013 at 7:07 am #45520Welcome to the site Jerry. Lots of good guys here with years of experience. We’re down to earth and not afraid to tell it like it is. It’s not all the doom and gloom of some of those other sites.
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