Collision repair is a STEM career that brings together science, technology, engineering and hands-on skills. Explore how modern vehicle technology is creating exciting opportunities for the next generation.
Back to school season looks a little different when your classroom includes vehicles, tools, welding equipment, paint booths and repair technology. For some students, this fall will be the first time they step onto a collision repair shop floor. Others are coming back with a year or more of training behind them, ready to build …
Back to School Guide for Collision Repair Students Read More »
If you have ever considered becoming a mechanic, you may be surprised to learn there is another skilled automotive trade that many people overlook. Auto body technicians play a very different role in the automotive industry. Their work is technical, hands-on, highly specialized, and essential to returning vehicles safely to the road after a collision. …
The Difference Between an Auto Body Technician and a Mechanic Read More »
When most people think about career opportunities in the collision repair industry, they picture someone repairing a damaged vehicle after an accident. While that is certainly an important part of the industry, it is only one of many career paths available. Today’s collision repair industry is a dynamic network of professionals, businesses, and technologies working …
Exploring the Many Career Opportunities in the Collision Repair Industry Read More »
Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) – Long after the final bell rings at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School, the collision repair shop is still alive with activity. Students stay late practicing welds, masking panels or refining spray techniques. Some arrive before sunrise to spend extra hours in the paint booth before …
We often think the future of collision repair begins in the shop. And for some individuals, that may be true. But for many entering the industry today, the journey begins somewhere else entirely. Insights from the recent student survey conducted by the Collision Repair Education Foundation in collaboration with CCC Intelligent Solutions reinforce something instructors …
How Industry Support Directly Impacts Collision Repair Education Read More »
One thing we’re constantly reminded of at CREF is that great careers don’t just happen. They’re shaped early on by the people teaching and mentoring students from day one. As we work alongside schools and shop programs across the country, we see firsthand just how much those instructors influence not only technical skills, but confidence, …
Behind Every Successful Student Is a Great Instructor Read More »
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In collision repair, skill matters, but so do the people you meet along the way. Every experienced technician, instructor, manager, and shop owner you meet has something that can help shape your future. Each person represents a different side of the …
Networking Tips That Accelerate Collision Repair Career Development Read More »
There is something powerful about watching your work come to life as a collision repair student. The moment a damaged panel is straight again, the way paint shines under the lights, or that feeling when a repair finally comes together just right, are the moments that remind you why this trade matters. Those wins in …
How Collision Repair Students Build Skills That Make an Impact Read More »
A step-by-step guide to organizing impactful career events The collision repair industry offers exceptional opportunities for students who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and utilizing the latest technology. Schools play a vital role in helping students discover these career paths, and one of the best ways to do that is by hosting a …
How Hosting Career Fairs Can Inspire Students and Strengthen School Programs Read More »
