Chapter 29 Entrepreneurship and Job Success

Objectives Describe desirable traits of collision repair technicians Summarize job responsibilities of industry personnel Define the term “entrepreneur” Advance into other automotive-related professions

Introduction According to economic predictions, there will be a strong demand for collision repair technicians Our nation is now, and always will be, a “nation on wheels” Job openings are common Read newspapers to stay aware of job openings Some jobs may pay better or offer better benefits

Collision Repair Technician Highly skilled professional capable of doing a wide variety of tasks Earn good money and are in constant demand Specialized technicians concentrate their study in one area –This allows each person to be more efficient at their own skill area

Related Professions Related professions are jobs that require an understanding of auto body repair Many related professions: –Insurance company: adjuster, agent –Materials manufacturer: paint, filler, or other –Parts suppliers: new, used, remanufactured –Auto manufacturer: designer, engineer –Instructor: teach collision repair classes

Figure Understanding collision repair technology and terminology may help you get a job in a related profession, like this insurance adjuster position.

Entrepreneurship An entrepreneur is a person who starts his or her own business To start your own business, you need to understand: –Bookkeeping –Payroll –State and local laws controlling the industry

Cooperative Training Programs Cooperative education programs allow you to have a job and get school credit at the same time Some “co-op” programs pay a small wage while you learn You would work under and be trained by an experienced professional –This is an excellent way to gain practical, hands- on experience

Keep Learning! Try to learn something job related every day Learn from your mistakes Read technical magazines and other publications Try to think of more efficient ways of working Consider new tools and techniques

Use a Systematic Approach Develop a more systematic approach for doing your job A systematic approach involves organizing and using a logical sequence of steps to finish a task Ask yourself these kinds of questions –Did I take all needed tools to the vehicle? –Is there a better tool for a specific task? –Have I been reading the manufacturer's instructions? –Is my body in the right position?

Work Traits Work traits are those things, aside from skills, that make you a good or bad employee The most important work traits are: –Reliability: be at work on time, every day, do the job right –Social skills: well-liked by workers and customers –Productivity: turn out a large amount of work –Professionalism: pride in workmanship

Work Traits (continued) A professional: –Is customer oriented –Is up to date on vehicle developments –Keeps up with advancements in the repair industry –Pays attention to detail –Ensures that his or her work is up to specs –Participates in trade associations

Summary A collision repair technician is a highly skilled professional capable of a wide variety of tasks –Working knowledge of mechanics, electronics, measurement, welding, cutting, straightening, etc. Specialized technicians concentrate their study in one area such as painting, sheet metal, or masking –This allows a person to be more efficient An entrepreneur is a person who starts his or her own business