If you have an eye for detail and love working with your hands, a career in automotive collision repair may be right for you. Earning your certification opens the door to a variety of positions and specializations. NYADI The College of Transportation Technology provides a collision repair technology undergraduate certificate program in Jamaica, New York. Here, we introduce some of the career opportunities that graduates can apply for.

What Is a Collision Repair Technician?

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation tallied a total of 5,930,496 police-reported vehicle crashes nationwide. That’s over 16,000 crashes each day, or 11 each minute. Because no two collisions are the same, each presents a unique set of challenges for repair technicians to overcome.

After any kind of collision, whether it’s a fender bender or a total wreck, trained professionals are needed to restore the vehicle or its parts to its pre-crash aesthetics and functionality. Automotive collision repair technicians are well-versed in a wide variety of techniques to fix all kinds of vehicle damage. They work on every aspect of the vehicle, including mechanical, structural, interior, and paint, to undo the damage of the accident – making the car look and drive just like new.

Automotive Collision Repair Specializations

Not every collision repair career path looks the same. Most entry-level positions are in auto body repair, and with time and experience, professionals may advance into more specialized roles, such as:

• Non-structural technician: This role specializes in the exterior of a car. They re-shape damaged panels, remove dents and dings, and color-match paint for a fresh, rust-resistant finish.
• Structural technician: These specialists address the structure of a vehicle, repairing the frame and supports to ensure repaired vehicles are strong, stable, and road ready.
• Electrical technician: Modern vehicles feature increasingly advanced electrical and digital systems. Electrical technicians specialize in fixing and maintaining these systems.
• Mechanical technician: This role addresses problems with the engine, brakes, steering block, and other mechanical components to restore function and reliability.
• Physical damage appraiser: Rather than specializing in one kind of repair, appraisers look at the big picture. They evaluate the whole vehicle to determine what repairs are needed.
• Shop manager: At the top is the auto shop manager. These experts may not work on cars themselves; instead, they ensure the entire shop team works together effectively.

These roles are typically higher-earning positions than entry-level technician placements. Specialization also lets technicians focus on what they most enjoy, whether it’s fixing engines or crafting a spotless paint job. For many, this makes the career more rewarding – not just financially, but emotionally, as well.

How to Learn Automotive Collision Repair

As automotive technology becomes more complex over time, so does the automotive repair industry. Technicians need to master a wide variety of skills. They must also know how to research and learn new techniques, allowing them to meet the new challenges introduced by new innovations.

Most collision repair specialists begin with a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent. This is followed by enrolling in a specialized academic program such as the one offered by NYADI. Our Automotive Technology program is designed to teach all the skills students will need for success in future careers as collision repair technicians. On completion, students will have the ability to complete a wide range of common tasks, including:

• Specialized diagnostics
• Damage analysis and assessment
• Vehicle repair
• Refinishing
• Basic mathematics
• Communication

Programs may be completed in under two years if pursued part-time, or just over one year for full-time studies. On completion, students will have the skills necessary to take the Automotive Service Excellence certification exam.

Learn Collision Repair at NYADI

For hopeful technicians with an interest in automotive repair, NYADI can help. We are the only school in our region that supports students at every stage of the certification process. You don’t even need a high school diploma to get started. We provide free training to complete a GED, certification courses and Associates degrees, and job placement support for graduates – giving you the strongest start possible for your future career. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.

NYADI is located in Jamaica, NY, training students locally who are interested in transportation technology careers. To find out more about automotive collision repair careers or to enroll in one of our programs, contact an admissions representative today.