Description

Helps customers in all product lines by knowing the technical features and application processing. Keeps current on all products. Travels to customer locations for trouble shooting, assistance, and training needs.

 

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and working with various chemicals, solvents, and refinishing materials. Must have good problem solving, communication, and presentation skills. Requires good reading, math, science, and computer skills.

 

Job Outlook

With more vehicles and more miles driven every year, collision losses are inevitable and their repair requires specialized equipment, tools, and materials. Proper use of equipment and proper application of correct materials for each job is critical and an expert may be needed to help when problems arise. At the current rapid pace of materials development, this will continue to be a high-demand occupation.

 

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

A high school education is preferred with post-secondary education recommended. Two to three years prior field experience as a painter or manager is required. Prior customer service experience is recommended. Must be familiar with computers and software. Bilingual skills are a plus.

 

Earnings

This is a technical position, requiring extensive experience and knowledge, and starting salaries from $40,000 to $50,000 are common. Increased earnings follow increased abilities.

 

Career Path

This position usually follows from a repair shop painter position or after extensive experience in material sales. There can opportunities for advancement within the store as management, at other stores with larger sales, or in paint manufacturer’s technical positions.

 

Continuing Education

Internal company and manufacturer education programs for advancement or to meet state and local licensing requirements. Continuing technical education is available through outside organizations, including paint manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair). Certifications are available through ASE.

 

see where this career fits within the repair process