The Auto Body trade is an enjoyable career path for individuals who are creative, technical and hands-on. Auto Body Technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicle structures and finishes.
The Auto Body trade in Alberta is split into four segments. Prepper, Refinisher, Repairer, and Technician.
-Preppers are involved in the entire repair process but specialize in the restoration of vehicle surfaces and corrosion protection. Auto Body Preppers will identify substrates, prepare surfaces, mix and apply undercoats, apply or install corrosion protection. They will also remove and install bolt on exterior and interior components.
-Refinishers will perform the duties of the prepper as well as restore the vehicles finish and perform damage appraisals. The refinisher specific tasks will be accurate colour matching, applying refinish products and removing defects in painted surfaces.
-Repairers will perform the duties of the prepper as well as perform damage appraisals and structural repairs. The repairer specific tasks will be structural repairs, body sheet metal work, plastic repairs, component replacement and alignment, restraint system repairs, and repair verification.
-Technicians will perform the duties of the preppers, refinishers and repairers although they may specialize in damage appraisal, frame straightening, surface preparation, sheet metal work, or refinishing.
