AUTOMOBILE BODY REPAIRERS Number 68 Interest Area 5-D 1998
THE JOB
AUTOMOBILE-BODY REPAIRERS are skilled craft workers who repair vehicle parts damaged by collision, rust or other causes. Although they are usually qualified to repair many types of vehicles, most work on automobiles and trucks. Some specialize in repairing other types of vehicles such as buses or truck trailers.
In repairing a damaged vehicle, body and fender repairers may perform a number of different tasks. They remove dents by hammering them out with special metal-working tools and then smoothing the hammered area by filing, grinding or sanding. They use plastic or solder to fill dents that cannot be worked out of the metal. When necessary, they align bodies, straighten frames, install window glass and windshields and remove and install body parts. They weld breaks in body metal and file them smooth to conform to adjacent areas. Badly damaged body areas may be removed with a cutting torch and a replacement fitted and welded into place. The welds are then ground down so that it doesn't show, using power grinders and other tools; the newly fitted panel is then made to match nearby surfaces. They also repair fiber glass body parts, install new upholstery and may sand and mask (tape and cover) body areas to be painted.
The repair of each damaged vehicle presents a different problem; repairers must be able to determine the appropriate repair methods. In this way, the work offers variety. These craft workers must have a broad knowledge of vehicle construction and repair techniques. Repairers usually work by themselves with only general directions from their supervisors. Supervisors generally determine which parts are to be repaired or replaced and the amount of time the job should take. In some shops, repairers may be assisted by helpers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Automobile-Body Repairers usually work indoors. Most shops are well ventilated, but are often dusty. Repairers often work in cramped or awkward positions and, at times, their work may be strenuous. Following the proper safety measures is necessary to avoid cuts from ragged metal parts, burns from torches, and injuries from power tools.
Repairers are customarily required to own a set of hand tools. Power tools are generally furnished by the employer. Investments in hand tools can amount to $1,500 or more.
In California, the proportion of union membership among Automobile-Body Repairers tends to vary, depending on the employer and geographic area. Those employed by large automobile dealers, trucking companies and bus lines are nearly all covered by union contracts. Many small independent repair shops are nonunion. The major union representing body and fender repairers in California is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 14,860 Estimated number of workers in 2005 18,570 Projected Growth 1993-2005 25% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 4,990
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Job growth for repairers will be about the same as the average for all occupations in California. The increasing number of lighter vehicles that are more difficult to repair and prone to greater damage will help boost the demand for repairers. Additionally, as the number of motor vehicles in operation grows with the state's population, the number of damaged vehicles will also increase. The automotive repair business is not particularly sensitive to economic downturns and experienced repairers are seldom laid off.
Some areas throughout the State report a shortage of qualified workers, although a surplus of inexperienced trade school graduates exists. The demand for experienced workers is expected to continue.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Automobile-Body Repairers normally work an eight hour day, five days a week, although they may be paid by the job, and have flexible hours. Overtime, when working on an hourly basis, is paid at the rate of one and one-half times the straight-time wage.
Pay scales vary widely between geographical areas and levels of experience. Beginning repairers earn between the minimum wage and $12.00 per hour; experienced workers are paid from the minimum wage to $25.00. The hourly pay range for journey level varies between $6.65 and $25.00. Union wages may be slightly higher.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Many Automobile-Body Repairers pick up their skills informally through on- the-job experience. The work requires climbing, lifting, balancing, walking and stooping. High school training should include such courses as general shop, metal work, metal forming, auto body repair, and basic math. Many training programs are offered through community colleges. A formal four-year apprenticeship program consisting of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction is offered by the union. Information on the apprenticeship program can be obtained from a local office of the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
ADVANCEMENT
In small shops, there are few opportunities for advancement. In larger shops, repairers with several years of experience may advance to supervisor or shop manager. Many eventually open their own shop.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should apply for work with employers, unions, private employment agencies and the local office of the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Those attending community colleges or technical schools may get job referrals from their schools. Classified newspaper advertisements should also be checked for job openings.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Automotive Service Association 1901 Airport Freeway PO Box 929 Bedford, TX 76095-0929 (800) 272-7467 www.asashop.org
Automotive Service Industry Association 25 Northwest Point Suite 425 Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1035 (847) 228-1310 www.aftmkt.com/asia
Any local of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers' Union.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDE
Automobile Mechanics No. 24 Automotive Service Advisors No. 240
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Automotive-Body Repairer 807.381-010 Frame Straightener 807.484-010 Glass Installer 865.684-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Automotive Body & Related Repairers 853050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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