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Collision Apprentice Jobs in Ferndale, MI (NOW HIRING)

Gerber Collision & Glass

Auto Body Technician

Warren, MI · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Gerber Collision & Glass Great Teams Don't Happen by Accident Built with Intent. Driven by YOU. At ... Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Auto Body Technician

Utica, MI · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Gerber Collision & Glass Great Teams Don't Happen by Accident Built with Intent. Driven by YOU. At ... Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ...

Gerber Collision & Glass

Auto Body Technician

Novi, MI

$24 - $29/hr

Gerber Collision & Glass Great Teams Don't Happen by Accident Built with Intent. Driven by YOU. At ... Successful completion of technical school program OR a 3-year apprenticeship as an auto body ...

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All JobsCollision Apprentice JobsCollision Apprentice Jobs in Ferndale, MI

Collision Apprentice information

See Ferndale, MI salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do collision apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision apprentice in Ferndale, MI is $16.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Ferndale, MI are hiring for Collision Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Ferndale, MI with the most Collision Apprentice job openings:

Collision Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collision Apprentice job openings in Ferndale, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,243 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Automotive BluePrinting Apprenticeship

Wixom, MI • On-site

Snap-on Inc
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Good employer

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Snap-on Incexternal

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
Starting Pay for Market: $20-24/hr based on experience
Car-O-Liner is excited to offer an apprenticeship opportunity for the right individual. This individual will have a unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader and take part in revolutionizing the collision repair process. They will become an integral part in the collection, support, and development of the world's largest measurement database. They will assist in the validation and creation of detailed measuring points, clamping data and setup information for past, current and future vehicle models necessary to support the collision repair industry. Engage in opportunities collaborating with all the automotive OEMs in the development and collection of critical serviceability areas to ensure that new vehicles can be repaired efficiently and effectively in support of the insurance and repair industry. This is a 2-year apprenticeship program where the individual will work side-by-side with our existing North America expert and our global engineering team to become our next subject matter expert.
This role demands a strong understanding of vehicle structural design, materials and their associated repair methods. They must also possess good mechanical, mathematical, geometry, and visual skills. Exposure to Computer Aided Design CAD is highly desired.
Responsibilities
  • Proactively collaborate with Automotive OEM teams to influence vehicle design for enhanced serviceability and overall customer ownership experience.
  • Engage with global engineering teams in the design and testing of vehicle mounting/clamping required to service and repair current and future models.
  • Assist in the creation and validation of vehicle measuring data utilized in the estimation and repairing of damaged vehicles.
  • Strategically identify essential mounting fixtures and clamps required for Car-O-Liner products, while actively working to minimize the overall need for specialized tooling.
  • Support the engineering and service teams in maintaining industry leadership and partnerships.
  • Ensure products meet all safety & quality standards.
  • Participate in serviceability trials and competitive benchmarking activities.
  • Support Product Manual reviews
  • Support the maintenance, updates, and authoring of new service information.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in collision industry.
  • 2+ years of experience in automotive collision repair services
  • 2+ years of experience in vehicle assembly/disassembly/repair in the collision industry
  • Strong mathematical aptitude
  • Ability to work closely with Mentor on a daily basis
  • Ability to listen
  • Vehicle disassembly and reassembly experience

Even better, you may have...
  • I-CAR and/or ASE certifications in Collision Repair Technology
  • CAD Software/ Data experience
  • Welding experience with Steel, Aluminum, Ultra High Strength Steel, etc.
  • ADAS experience
  • Ability to manage critical timing and conflicting demands
  • Project manage and progress multiple workstreams at once
  • Lead through influence and collaborate across Enterprise
  • Use data and customer insights to influence strategic decisions
  • Problem solve against competing cross-functional priorities

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Car-O-Liner, we encourage you to apply!

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