So, you’ve finally decided that 2019 is going to be the year you pursue your dream career in auto body repair? Well done! Now it’s time to start looking around at the different auto body schools in your area. However, with so many options, your search may leave you confused about which auto body school is right for you.
To help you out, we’ve compiled five questions you should ask each school you may be considering. Their answers will give you a good idea about the quality of their training and whether they will help you achieve your goals.
1. Is the Auto Body School Recognized and Certified by Government Bodies?
In British Columbia, you should look for an auto body school that is certified by the B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). Schools that have been certified by the PTIB must meet a number of quality assurance requirements, including a site inspection, business plan and proof of financial security. Furthermore, look for schools with the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation from the B.C. government. Institutions that have the EQA designation are in good standing with education regulators, meet legislated requirements, and offer a minimum standard of education.
2. What Are Other Students Saying About the School and Its Programs?
High-quality auto body schools should be eager to boast of their former students’ success. Ask the schools you’re considering whether they can provide testimonials from their past students, detailing which aspects of the program they enjoyed most and the career goals they’ve achieved after graduation. A school that can’t provide positive testimonials from real students should probably be avoided.
3. Does it Offer Tours Like Most Reputable Auto Body Schools Do?
Good auto body schools will be eager to show off their facilities. Ask the schools you’re considering whether they would be willing to give you a tour. Having the opportunity to see the school’s facilities in person will give you a much better idea of whether you can see yourself completing your training there. You’ll also get the chance to see what equipment the school uses. Beware of schools that aren’t willing to let you take a tour of the facilities until only after you’ve applied or enrolled!
4. Does the School Offer Career Placement Assistance After Graduation?
The school should be knowledgeable not just in the technical side of auto body repair, but in what it takes to actually begin a career in the industry. Ask them what auto body repair career info they can provide, such as job placement opportunities and connections they have to local auto body repair shops. A school that offers student services and career placement assistance is likely one that will do all they can to get you set up in an automotive career as soon as possible.
5. Does the School Provide Hands-On Experience on Real Vehicles?
While classroom-based learning is important, auto body career hopefuls benefit greatly from practical hands-on experience as well. Inquire about how much of your training will be made up of classroom study and how much will be made up of hands-on training on vehicles and parts—about 50% of each is ideal!
Additionally, ask how the school makes the classroom component more engaging. For example, learning entirely through textbooks can get a little monotonous, whereas an innovative approach like game-based learning tends to be more engaging.
Do you want to become an auto body technician?
Contact Automotive Training Centres today to learn how we can help fast-track your career.
