Page 28 - On The Move - Volume 17, Issue 3

n today’s automotive market, knowledge is more powerful than ever before. It is a market that is rapidly
Ichanging, which means new products and processes are always presenting themselves that need to be learned
and put into practice. Additionally, new problems can arise. All of this requires a commitment to seek out the
proper training, and whether you are an amateur or experienced technician, or a business owner, your success

depends on it. Becoming and remaining employable, being on top of the latest products and technology, and
achieving the highest customer satisfaction possible all start with the commitment to learn.

Consider a person entering the automotive refinish industry for enrolled in a program and interested in learning anything they
the first time. This could be a young man or woman who has a can is a great way to get a head-start on networking while
passion for cars, color and/or customization, with the desire to gaining experience. It shows initiative and commitment, and
make a career out of it. Or, someone who wants to take over the many would even say that they learn more in the shop than the
family business and focus on the operations and business side classroom. Young technicians in essence should be like sponges
of things. What about someone working for a distributor who – willing take in as much information as possible, asking a lot of
needs to understand how to market to shops and communicate questions and put themselves with the right people in supportive
with them to help them be successful? Understanding how to environments.
jump in and get started can be daunting for many, but there
are a lot of good resources available to help kick things off with Working side-by-side with industry professionals will also help
success. student technicians understand what skillsets and certifications
are needed for a successful career. For example, shops who
Beginning with young technicians who are interested in working have DRPs from insurance companies are required to remain
in the refinish industry, this is a great time to show interest and up to date on painter certification in order to continue the re-
establish a network of peers and mentors who can help them lationship. This requirement has changed from the past where
carve out a solid career path. How does he or she get started? it was easier to get away with certifications that had lapsed or
First, they can seek out specialized coursework offered by their expired. With more and more OE manufacturers requiring it,
local vocational technical school or community college. Many however, it would be detrimental to any technician to not make
of these schools have a program dedicated to this type of spe- these a priority.
cialization and courses are usually taught by former technicians
or other industry experts with many years of experience under Certifications are also important when a technician is looking to
their belts. switch up their career and begin working for a shop that uses
a competing paint line. Apart from the need to understand the
Hands-on training in the shop is also very important. Even with technical side of products of which they may not be familiar, it
the best vo-tech program or community college coursework, can speak volumes to their commitment to getting the continuing
there is no replacement for this type of experience. Visiting local education that they need. A technician that seeks out extended
area body shops and letting the owner know they are currently training on their own shows that they are willing to go above

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