What to Expect on Your First Day as a Collision Repair Technician
Even if you are very well versed in the field, the first day at a new job is enough to get those butterflies fluttering around in your stomach. Whether it is a healthy dose of excitement, anticipation or a little bit of nerves, that extra energy will help you power through your first day as a Collision Repair Technician.
Collision Repair Technician - Day One
As you walk into your first day on the job, you can expect to do far more surveying of the land than actual work. Most businesses will ease you in and gradually build up the amount of work you will do on a daily basis. You will learn what paperwork and reports need to be filled out and where they are filed. After scoping out the shop, getting to know where everything is located and meeting with each team member, you will likely talk with your boss about what is expected of you on a daily basis. Once all of the logistics are taken care of, then you will be able to start getting your hands dirty.
But don't expect to have free reign right away. You will likely work with a mentor for a time, working through diagnoses and repairs together. While this may feel like an apprenticeship, it will only last until they can see that you have a solid understanding of their unique process.
The Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Program can help you feel 100 percent prepared for your first day on the job. From removing damaged vehicle sections and installing replacement parts using MIG and TIG welding, to using the manufacturers’ analytical software to estimate collision damage, technicians will feel right at home finding their way around the garage.