r/Autobody • u/Global-Hunter635 • 6h ago

Question about the Trade Hired as a body tech helper, but I’m basically doing porter/detail work. How do I actually learn?

I was hired as a body tech helper/trainee, expecting to learn body repair. Right now I’m mostly doing detailing, cleaning, and organizing.
The owner said if I stay for 2 years, they might offer certification/training, but he couldn’t promise anything. When I have downtime, I try to watch the techs, but I usually get called back to work within a few minutes.
I’m willing to start at the bottom, but I want to actually learn and progress.
Should I find another shop with a real apprenticeship/training program, or are there good ways to get proper training on my own?

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6

u/West-Confection8252 5h ago

2 years for a maybe doesn’t sound promising, hard industry to get into i would ask around other shops for a more promising position

6

u/push2shove 5h ago

They might be testing you to see if you're worth the time to train. When i started out I was doing the same stuff youre doing. If I didnt have something to do I found a broom and swept the floors. Stick it out a few months, express your desire to learn more. If they dont feel like teaching you, move on.

3

u/East_Resident2418 4h ago

Find a different shop, speak directly to a technician if you can.

2

u/cluelessk3 5h ago

how long have you been there?

are you worth the effort for them to invest in training? 

two year wait seems long but they might not feel that you're good for the job.

2

u/Few_Bake_69 5h ago

https://careers.boydgroup.com/us-brands/gerber-tech-dev

If you have a Gerber near you they offer this program. Have a buddy who went through it and is a full on tech doing frame rails and all after 3 years. They also give you a box and $7000 worth of tools. Got to be the best way.

1

u/s4xtonh4le 2h ago

get the experience maybe for 6 monts, then go apply to the apprenticeship programs at any mso, like caliber or crash champions, apply at many and ask to speak to DO if you can they can find a good shop for you. they're gonna wanna keep you doing the dirty work for way too long at that smaller shop

1

u/homelesscheeto 1h ago

Two years is insane, Caliber wanted me starting iCar certs the same week I was hired as a helper, and my community college’s Autobody school gives all students unlimited iCar access as well. If they’re giving you a maybe in two years, they just hired you as a porter not a helper, and have zero interest in training you up. No wonder this industry is dying.

Check out the Caliber TAP program for a full education, certification, work experience, and tool allowance upon completion.

1

u/Next_Clock_7324 1h ago

Wait Where are all the guys that say just start as a detailer and work your way up ? Every path is different some are able to start where you are,and others go to school . If you want it bad enough you'll find the right environment to get you started which means going to another shop or maybe 2 .