If you walk into a technical trade school on any given day, you’re guaranteed to find passionate instructors doing everything they can to prepare students for real careers in the collision repair industry.
These instructors build engaging programs, foster hands-on skills, and teach students how to use their newfound knowledge to secure a successful lifelong career in their chosen roles. Their jobs are made more challenging due to tight budgets, limited visibility, and the constant need to keep pace with the rapid advancements in vehicle technology.
And yet, these instructors keep showing up—because they know how important this work is.
But imagine how much more impact their efforts could have if the industry stood beside them—not just by hiring recent graduates, but by providing ground-up support to help raise awareness, build stronger programs, and attract future waves of talent to collision repair.
Schools Have the Power to Shape the Future of the Collision Industry
The automotive career paths available for students to pursue today are diverse and numerous, everything from structural repair and refinishing to estimating and calibration. But many of these programs are tucked away—hidden behind outdated websites or social feeds that need more time, attention, and hands-on support to catch the eye of the very students, families, and employers who need to see them.
Meanwhile, collision repair shops across North America continue to struggle with a shrinking talent pipeline. According to our school snapshot survey, enrollment in collision programs dropped by 46% between 2015 and 2022. That number hasn’t improved in recent years—but it’s not because students aren’t interested. It’s because they often aren’t aware that these programs, and the opportunities they represent, even exist.
Connection Creates Collision Industry Opportunity
This is where the industry can step in—not to “fix” things, but to collaborate.
Shops that invest the time and effort to connect with local schools have the power to bring these programs to life in a new way. A quick visit to a classroom, a few words at a student showcase, or even resharing a post on social media might seem like small contributions—but they signal to students that their path is worthwhile, and that people out there are invested in their success.
For instructors, that confirmation of connection is equally powerful. Staying in touch with working professionals helps them shape more relevant programs, and provides assurance that they are taking all the right steps to prepare students for what’s next.
What Support Can Look Like
Support doesn’t always mean writing a big check (though financial backing is always appreciated). For most schools, the biggest impacts are generated by genuine partnerships and consistent visibility.
Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Promote the Program: Help schools improve their visibility through shared content, social media posts, or even website guidance. A great example is Pickens Technical College in Colorado’s website, where student success stories, engaging videos, and clear course details are front and center.
- Open Your Doors: Invite students and/or instructors to tour your facility. Let them ask questions, see the technology in action, and get a sense of shop culture firsthand.
- Lend Your Voice: Volunteer to speak in a classroom, join a panel, or participate in a career day. Sharing your real-life journey makes the future feel more tangible for students.
- Share Resources: Donate used tools, surplus supplies, or safety gear. Many schools operate on stretched budgets and would be grateful for equipment that still has life in it.
- Collaborate on Curriculum: Talk with instructors about emerging technologies, certification requirements, and skills gaps you’re seeing in your shop. This helps schools teach what really matters.
There’s a reason why organizations like I-CAR have built industry-school initiatives focused on bridging this gap—they know first-hand that collaboration leads to better-prepared students and better-equipped employers.
It’s Not Just About Students. It’s About the Entire Industry.
When schools and industry work together, everybody wins:
- Students gain a clearer understanding of their path, plus invaluable exposure to real shops and people.
- Instructors feel seen, supported, and aligned with what’s happening in the field.
- Shops benefit from more qualified entry-level candidates who arrive with real skills and enthusiasm.
- The industry as a whole gets stronger, more visible, and better equipped for the future.
And none of this requires massive time or resources. It just takes a willingness to show up—and follow through.
Moving Forward, Together
There’s no single solution to the talent shortage, but industry-school partnerships are a powerful starting point.
If you’re in collision repair, take a moment to reflect:
- Is there a school in your area you could support—even in a small way?
- Could your business offer a tour, mentorship, or tool donation?
- Could you amplify and validate their work by simply sharing it?
You don’t have to do everything. but even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference.
Let’s step up our efforts to support the programs already doing great work. Together, we can open more doors, spark more interest, and help the next generation of collision repair professionals see a future worth building. Let’s build it—together!