Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Learn How To Become A Professional Collision Repair Technician
Are You Interested In A Collision Repair Career Pathway?
Why choose collision repair as a career pathway?
Test This Career For Free...Free Series Of Training Videos Are Ready For You
Yes, I'm Ready For Free Auto Body and Paint Training
What Are You Passionate About
I recommend that you find what your passionate about and do it. Let's face it, no one wants to spend the rest of their life hating their job. Life is too short...make each day count. While you're thinking about your passions, I'll tell you about mine and a few other stories.
Donnie's Story
I started working on cars as a hobby when I was a kid. My father, brother and I enjoyed tinkering around with cars. In high school, I enrolled in an auto mechanics class. This class allowed us to perform the mechanical aspect as well as body work and painting. There, I painted my first car. It was a 1974 Camaro. It took me the entire year to repair all the small dents and get it painted. However, the paint job turned out awesome. I was impressed with the satisfaction of being able to stand back and see the end result. This was when I discovered that I was passionate about the collision repair pathway. From there I attended a school for collision repair and entered the field of collision repair. In 2004 I decided to take the skills that I’ve learned and teach it to others. I remain passionate about collision repair and teaching.
Jenni’s Story
Auto Collision Repair fulfills a dream for me and provides a way for me to grow in my passion. My story isn't typical. I didn't grow up with all my family being car people, although my dad did teach me use my hands and to find solutions. It really started as a silly hobby when I was ten to identify cars on the road by their headlights/tail lights, and body lines etc., and people’s fascination of this only encouraged me more. When it came time to go to college, I couldn't decide. I really hated the thought of continuing education in just general studies until i figured out a degree choice, of which none of them I could see myself doing for any length of time. I wanted to pursue something that was more a part of me that I could do for the rest of my life. I consider myself artistic and my dad encouraged me to combine that with my love of cars and pursue Auto Body. I had doubts that I’d like the repair part of it, but my drive to do custom paint and the thought of being around cars, and car people all the time was enough for me to enroll at Butler. The first year was a bit awkward, I was the only girl in the class and having my own set of tools was new to me. So now I'm almost done with my second year of the program and I have gained a lot of confidence in what I'm doing, and actually love the repair part too. I've found out that when I graduate there are many different jobs you can have within the industry; many different choices of what you can be good at.
What if we can teach you a skill that you are passionate about and earn an honest decent income? Would that interest you? If so, keep reading to learn what we have to offer. If it is a fit for your needs, we’ll help you take the next step. If not, I suggest finding what you are passionate about. Fair enough?
Test This Career For Free...Free Series Of Training Videos Are Ready For You
Yes, I'm Ready For Free Auto Body and Paint Training
Collision Repair Career
Job Security - As long as people continue to drive vehicles, there are going to be accidents.
- As long as there are accidents, there’s going to be people required to repair those damaged vehicles.
- The roads are getting busier every day with traffic as population grows.
- Job not outsourced - Vehicles involved in an accident will not be shipped overseas to have repairs completed and shipped back.
This means JOB SECURITY for technicians Job EnvironmentMost automotive body repair technicians work indoors and work a standard 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, although some, including the self-employed, work more than 40 hours a week. Source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Still not sure if collision repair is a fit? This may help you determine if it is or not.
This is how I-CAR says it: “If you’re someone who enjoys working with your hands, has a mechanical aptitude, takes pride in your work and is passionate about cars, then you might consider a career in collision repair. In spite of many stereotypes, the collision repair field can be very rewarding for individuals who possess the right skills and desirable attitude. In fact, most people are surprised to learn that a collision repair technician’s income, on average, is better than comparable trades. Also, an experienced technician has high-income potential, excellent job security and ample opportunities for career advancement within the entire Automotive Industry.”
Potential Jobs
A collision repair and/or refinish technician are only a few of the possible career paths this training can lead you to. Others include: - Automotive Technician
- Collision Estimator
- Aviation Paint Technician
- Auto Assembler
- Customer Advisor
- Part Specialist
- Body Shop Manager
- Body Shop Owner
- Auto Damage Appraiser
- Collision Instructor
Ready To Take The Next Step?
All We Need Is Your First Name and Email Address To Email To Send You A Free Series Of Auto Body and Paint Training. If You Find That You Are Interested In A Collision Repair Pathway, We Have A Virtual Training Course Prepared That Will Take You One Step Closer To Making Your Dream of Being A Professional Collision Repair Technician Become A Reality.
Test This Career For Free...Free Series Of Training Videos Are Ready For You
Yes, I'm Ready For Free Auto Body and Paint Training
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Join The Collision Repair Expert Authors
Are you a body shop owner, supplier, offer a related service, educator, etc. If so, you have expert advice to share with the collision repair industry. We invite you to join us on CollisionBlast.com This is where the experts are the authors. Feel free to promote your business and/or educational contend that may help educate others about the collision repair business.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Free Collision Repair Training
LEARN AUTO BODY AND PAINT FOR FREE - FREE LESSONS E-MAILED TO YOU
ONLINE TRAINING
Hi,
Donnie Smith here and I would like to invite you to join me on this training journey. I have spent my life working on cars and would like to share what I have learned with you for FREE. Why for free? Simply because I truly believe that people reap what they sow and this is my way of giving back.
My passion for working on cars started when I was a kid. I helped my dad and older brother work on cars as a hobby. In high school I enrolled in auto shop and painted my first car. After stepping back and seeing the finished product, I knew that I was hooked for life. After graduating high school I attended the collision repair program at WyoTech. Since then I have worked for body shops and a body tech, paint tech, and an estimator. I have managed and owned a body shop. For the past 6 years I have been teaching collision repair for an NATEF Accredited school that is also a member of the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance. I stay up-to-date with the collision repair industry by attending training on a continuing basis, I am a member of ASA and the facilitator for the Educators Group on Collision Hub.
I am not bragging with all of my qualifications as I will be the first to admit that I do not know it all. I still learn everyday in this fast-paced industry. However, I do qualify to teach and I may be able to help you out if your interested in collision repair and painting.
I am ready to share with you many of the tips, tricks, how-to’s, and resources. I also have many videos and resources of top trainers in both, professional and DIY to send you.
Here Are A Few Of My Qualifications:
*Graduated WyoTech in 1988 and Have Years Of Experience
* Associates Degree in Collision Repair and Management
* Obtaining a Degree in Professional Technical Education
* ASE Certified
* PPG Certified
* I-CAR Instructor Work Shop Certified
* Member of ASA
* Custom Paint Certificate From WyoTech
* Custom Metal Working Certificate from UTI
* Numerous Other Certificates in Collision Repair and Teaching
* Attend SEMA, NACE, VISION and Many Other Training Events
* Educator Group Facilitator on CollisionHub.com
*Technical Educator
So why am I willing to teach you for free when I get paid to do it for a college? Well, you’re probably interested in this for several reasons.
(1)You’re interested in collision repair as a career. If so, this will allow you to test the career pathway and determine if collision repair is a fit for you. If it is, I encourage you to further your education by enrolling in a college or technical school that provides collision repair. If you need help locating a NATEF accredited school in your area let me know. I have a list of all schools accredited throughout the US.
(2) You’re interested in this as a hobby (DIY). If so, I would like to give you a pat on the back and help you all that I can. Believe it or not, you play a crucial role in the industry. Without the DIY folks out there, there would not be any interest in the auto industries. Remember I said that I started working on cars with my dad and older brother as a kid? Well, we were just DIY people, which resulted in a collision repair career for me. I think there are many similar stories out there. I sincerely believe that it would improve any parent-child relationship. Your kids may not remember all of the TV shows or video games play growing up, but they will remember the times spent together working on a hobby, such as working on cars. Therefore, I want to give you all of the resources you need to make that happen. In return, you are providing interest and exposure to the collision repair career. It’s a win/win for everyone!
Whatever reason you want to learn auto body and paint, it’s here for FREE. I will be sending you videos, articles, and websites from myself and other professionals in the industry. You will learn body work, painting, estimating, airbrushing, custom paint, success training, and much more. All I need is a first name and e-mail address to send it to.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Technology; isn't it great!
It is a fact that new technology has changed the way we do business. Teaching is no exception. There a lot of new and awesome ways to teach and connect with students today. They have I-Phones capable of more than many of our computers. However, just like anything, it can be a two edged sword.
For instance, how many of you have ever said or done something a little out of line? Have you ever lost your temper? If so, you may want to be very careful. Several years ago I had a student tell me what the new "in thing" was to do. Several students would aggravate a teacher trying to get him or her mad on purpose. Once the teacher lost control, another student would secretly record the teacher using their cell phone. Then they would forward it to each other for a quick laugh. The problem is that a few of these have ended you on YouTube or GoFish. Of course, they only show the part of the teacher losing control. As a result, many teacher have lost there jobs.
I would never recommend wrestling with your students, but here is an example of a teacher being recorded and put online for the world to see. The students claimed they were messing around having fun. The student in the video and his parents refuse to press charges; nevertheless, the teacher has resigned.
The next time you lose your temper or say something you shouldn't, just smile instead, as you may be on candid camera.
This example is certainly out of line. I can't imagine why they were doing this. Maybe he is a wrestling coach... However, I have to admit, I would probably been upset if that was my kid.
For instance, how many of you have ever said or done something a little out of line? Have you ever lost your temper? If so, you may want to be very careful. Several years ago I had a student tell me what the new "in thing" was to do. Several students would aggravate a teacher trying to get him or her mad on purpose. Once the teacher lost control, another student would secretly record the teacher using their cell phone. Then they would forward it to each other for a quick laugh. The problem is that a few of these have ended you on YouTube or GoFish. Of course, they only show the part of the teacher losing control. As a result, many teacher have lost there jobs.
I would never recommend wrestling with your students, but here is an example of a teacher being recorded and put online for the world to see. The students claimed they were messing around having fun. The student in the video and his parents refuse to press charges; nevertheless, the teacher has resigned.
The next time you lose your temper or say something you shouldn't, just smile instead, as you may be on candid camera.
This example is certainly out of line. I can't imagine why they were doing this. Maybe he is a wrestling coach... However, I have to admit, I would probably been upset if that was my kid.
Friday, May 16, 2008
What are you going to do...
What are you going to do...when you graduate? Will you be able to get the things you want? Make sure you make wise decisions, as it's already a challenge to survive in today's economy. It takes a lot of money to live.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Things you need to consider when choosing a collision repair training facility.
Enrollment has started and there is limited class space available. This is the time of year to enroll, in order to secure your spot in the classes you wish to take in the fall. Many students put this off until the end of summer or the last minute. However, some of them will find that the classes they intended to take are full. Many technical programs, like Collision Repair, have a low student per instructor ratio, which means very limited space available. Procrastinators may lose their spot to someone else.
Why choose collision repair as a career pathway?
Hands-on: Why should your job be boring and dreadful? You can earn income doing the things you like to do. If you're someone that likes working with your hands, a high-tech environment and you enjoy being able to step back and see the results of your work; then collision repair may be a good fit for you.
High income potential: I-Car Education Foundation completed a survey, showing the average income that a collision repair technician earns. You may be surprised that the average income of $51,312 is higher then many other comparable trades. In fact, the top 10% earn $88,460. Although, just like with any career, you shouldn't expect this your first year on the job. These are the incomes you can expect to make with experience and commitment.
Job Security: As roads and highways become more populated with vehicles, the results are more auto accidents. Unfortunately, the automotive industry is not finding enough trained technicians to properly repair these modern day vehicles. This means job security for you.
Work will never be outsourced: Think about it! Could you imagine a damaged vehicle being loaded on a ship, taken overseas, repaired, and shipped back to the customer...it's not going to happen. We need trained collision and paint technicians right here in the United States, in every state and every city to repair our cars. As a technician, you will never have to worry about your job being outsourced.
What are some of the things to consider when choosing a school to attend?
NATEF certified: Make sure the school is a National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) accredited. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the school has met the NATEF standards and is a quality school. NATEF is national recognized in the automotive industry and will give you a competitive edge, when you pursue a job. In order to be NATEF accredited, all instructors must be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified to teach. This means that you will have competent instructors to ensure your success in the future.
I-Car affiliation: Make sure the school is affiliated with I-Car. I-Car is an organization that helps the collision industry with on-going training. They provide training to technicians already on the job and they provide curriculum and support to colleges and technical schools to prepare students for the world-of-work. I-Car is known throughout the collision industry and will give your potential employer another perk to hire you.
Where do I find a school like this and how do I enroll?
1. Call the school to set up a time you can visit with them and ask to tour the collision repair program.
2. Is the collision program accredited? If so, who are they accredited through?
3. Are they affiliated with I-Car and what curriculum do they use?
4. Ask if one of the program instructors are available to speak with. You can ask them program specific questions. This will give you a better feel of the program and the instructors.
5. What is their student per instructor ratio?
6. Find out what requirements, tools, tuition,and fees are required.
7. Have them explain the difference between a certificate and an associates degree. (some technical schools do not offer associates degrees)
8. Does the college have any articulation agreements with any other schools, which allows the student to transfer into a four-year university?
9. Once you feel you have made the correct decision, ask them to direct you to an advisor. The advisor will walk you through the steps to get you enrolled.
or
Post a commit on this blog or contact me directly and I will help you find a college in your area. The key is to act now. Waiting may cause you to lose out on this opportunity.
Here are a few resources for you:
Collision Career Video
Collision Career Information
Collision Resources
Donnie Smith
"Challenges Produce Champions"
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