The Autobody Source, a leading information hub that caters to collision repair professionals, publishes a report that tackles the issue of trade students seeking full-time employment before finishing their training.
This new report is a product of a discussion between corporations involved in collision repair and trade school officials. Its goal is to help stakeholders ensure that students stay the course so they can complete their certification.
More information about The Autobody Source is available at https://autobodysource.com/students-how-to-stay-the-course/
“Students: How To Stay The Course” highlights that many students often stop their studies after only four months. In some cases, they ask for employment prematurely; in others, automotive shops offer them jobs despite knowing they are not yet fully certified. As such, the report seeks to foster mutual understanding among all stakeholders to avoid this scenario.
GROWING DEMAND
While many Americans proceed to earn college degrees after high school, fewer individuals consider the lucrative opportunities offered by trade jobs. However, demand for such professionals is growing — about 100,000 new-entrant collision technicians will be needed between 2021 and 2025, as per the TechForce Foundation.
The Autobody Source notes that trade schools play a crucial role in making sure that there will be enough supply of talent to meet that demand. At the same time, its report also acknowledges the occurrence of students dropping out of their courses.
THE PROBLEM WITH PART-TIME WORK
Hands-on experience is one of the key advantages of going to trade school, as students can work part-time while finishing their course. School officials urge collision repair shops to be more flexible with schedules so part-timers are not forced to choose between earning their certificate or earning a living. They add that shop owners should actively encourage students to complete their certification, as this will ultimately give them more qualified full-time employees down the line.
NOT JUST TECHNICAL SKILLS
The group representing businesses emphasizes the need for better alignment between schools, students, and shops. Moreover, it says that while students can quickly learn technical skills, developing soft skills and professional ethics will take longer to master.
The group also says that adult students and career shifters may bring “defensiveness” from their previous jobs, making it harder for them to understand the rigors of the collision repair industry. It added that finishing the course sets students up for success, especially if they have no previous background in the automotive industry.
Interested parties may visit https://autobodysource.com/ to read the full report.