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The Details of Auto Body Careers
by Robyn Tellefsen
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Want to repair and refinish vehicles to make them look and drive like new? Consider  

Auto Body Careers

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All About Auto Body Careers
When you work in automotive repair, you'll straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that can't be fixed. You may repair vehicles from large trucks, buses, and tractor trailers, to cars and small trucks.

At automotive repair schools, you'll learn how to use special equipment to restore damaged metal frames and body sections. You'll also repair or replace the plastic body parts used on new-model vehicles. You may even choose to specialize in repairing fiberglass car bodies.

Automotive Repair Techniques Key To Successful Auto Body Careers
The auto body industry is getting more and more sophisticated, as advances in technology are changing the structure, components, and materials used in automobiles. That's why those seeking auto body careers can benefit from formal training at automotive repair schools.

Proficiency in new automotive repair techniques is crucial for success in auto body careers. For instance, an auto body is usually constructed from a combination of materials such as steel, aluminum, and a variety of metal alloys and plastics. In order to reshape parts and smooth out dents and pits, you'll need to use different techniques on different materials. Automotive repair schools can help you keep your skills fresh.

Outlook on Auto Body Careers
Professionals with auto body careers held about 223,000 jobs in 2004. More than one auto body repairer in five was self-employed, which is more than double the proportion for all installation, maintenance, and repair occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, employment in the automotive repair industry is expected to increase 9 to 17 percent through 2014.

One reason automotive repair professionals are in demand is that new, lightweight automotive designs are prone to greater collision damage than older, heavier designs, so more time is consumed in repair. Of course, opportunities in auto body careers will be best for those with formal training from automotive repair schools. Here's an incentive: Median hourly earnings of automotive body and related repairers were $16.68 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $28.45.

Need some career repairs? With auto body careers, your future can look as good as new.

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About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.



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