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Collision Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crash Champions

Body Technician Helper

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

The Apprentice Development Program continues to prepare technicians for a successful career in the collision repair industry. This program reflects essential competencies to prepare Apprentice ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

Montclair, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a ... Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a ... Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that ...

KNIESELS COLLISION INC

Body Technician

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

... apprentices. Skills and Qualifications: * Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a journeyman body technician in a collision repair environment. * Proficiency in using industry-standard tools and ...

Puget Collision

Body Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Auto Body Collision Repair: Body Technician The Body Technician is a skilled craftsman with a ... Provide guidance, education, and assistance to the assigned apprentice in such a manner that ...

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Collision Apprentice information

What is the difference between Collision Apprentice vs Collision Technician?

AspectCollision ApprenticeCollision Technician
CertificationsMay require basic certifications or on-the-job trainingTypically requires ASE certifications or manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, often supervised, entry-levelSkilled, independent work on vehicle repairs
Experience LevelEntry-level, in training or apprenticeshipExperienced, with proven repair skills
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with repairs, learning repair processesPerforming repairs, diagnosing issues, completing vehicle restoration

The main difference between a Collision Apprentice and a Collision Technician is experience and skill level. Apprentices are in training, assisting with repairs under supervision, while technicians are experienced professionals performing repairs independently. Both roles are essential in the collision repair industry, with apprentices working towards becoming fully certified collision technicians.

What types of tasks and learning opportunities can a collision apprentice expect during their first year on the job?

As a Collision Apprentice, you can expect hands-on involvement in tasks such as prepping vehicles for repair, assisting with bodywork, sanding, masking, and occasionally helping with paint application under supervision. You'll work closely with experienced technicians, learning industry-standard repair techniques, safety procedures, and proper tool usage. The first year typically focuses on building foundational skills, understanding shop workflow, and gradually taking on more complex repairs as your confidence grows. Regular feedback and mentorship are common, giving you a clear path for skill development and potential advancement within the collision repair field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collision apprentice, and why are they important?

As a Collision Apprentice, you need foundational knowledge of auto body repair, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as sanders, paint sprayers, welding equipment, and repair management software is commonly required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and strong teamwork skills help apprentices excel in fast-paced shop environments. These abilities ensure high-quality repairs, safety compliance, and smooth workflow as you build experience toward becoming a certified technician.

What is a collision apprentice?

A Collision Apprentice is an entry-level technician who works under the supervision of experienced auto body repair professionals to learn the skills needed to repair vehicles damaged in accidents. Their duties often include assisting with vehicle disassembly, repairing or replacing damaged parts, sanding, painting, and learning about collision repair tools and safety procedures. This role is typically part of a structured training program and is a stepping stone toward becoming a certified collision repair technician. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction to ensure comprehensive learning. As they gain experience, apprentices take on more responsibility and complex tasks in the repair process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Collision jobs in California? The most popular types of Collision jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Collision Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Collision Apprentice job openings:
Collision Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collision Apprentice job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Technician Apprentice Program - Body Apprentice

Caliber Collision

Sacramento, CA

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 19 days ago

Caliber Collision rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 363 rated vehicle maintenance

Job description

Service Center

Sacramento - Lexington St

JOB SUMMARY

Caliber Collision has an immediate job opening for a Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) - Body Apprentice to perform all-purpose duties, which may include, but not limited to repairing damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition using industry-approved repair techniques and take responsibility for learning all training material and hands-on skills. The TAP Body Apprentice will also follow the mentor's direction while learning to read estimates, identify damage, repair vehicles, and check work for quality and accuracy.

OUR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE PROGRAM - BODY APPRENTICE FOR THIS POSITION CAN MAKE UP TO:

  • 18-22$ per hour!

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE PROGRAM:

  • Weekly Pay: Get paid every Friday!
  • Benefits from day one: When you join TAP, you'll become immediately eligible for medical, dental and vision
  • Start your OWN tool set: You'll receive a Snap-On tool bag with tools after 90 days in the program
  • Anniversary Bonus: $1,000 after you complete 12 months in your body tech role after graduation from the program
  • No experience required: If the only thing you know about cars is how to drive them, that's OK, we'll teach you the rest
  • No student debt: Since we pay you for this program, you'll have zero student loan payments with greater earning potential sooner
  • A career for life: You'll graduate from TAP with in-demand skills and a brand-new career as a body technician
  • Earning Potential: $70,000+ Per Year earning potential after completing the program!

REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage under Caliber's insurance policy
  • Nice to have, but not required: Previous collision experience and/or Collision Vo-Tech certification

ABILITIES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

  • Ability to do consistent physical activity - reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling, bending, and squatting, and lifting objects over 50 lbs.
  • Be able to understand instructions - written and verbal
  • Can prioritize competing tasks and adapt easily to a fast-paced environment
  • Complete required training and certifications relating to TAP

Caliber is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

Caliber uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. with no restrictions.

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