Collision Repair Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Join the Kniesel's Collision Family!
Company Overview:Kniesel's Collision has proudly served Northern California for over 58 years as a family-owned and operated leader in collision repair. With 13 state-of-the-art locations across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties, we're known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a customer experience that stands above the rest.
When you join Kniesel's, you're not just taking a job, you're building a career with a team that values your expertise, invests in your growth, and supports you every step of the way. Be part of a company where quality matters, people come first, and your future has room to grow.
Position Available: Paint Prep Technician / Apprentice Painter
Location: Kniesel's Collision - Rocklin, 4680 Pacific St., Rocklin, CA 95677
Position Summary:
Kniesel's Collision is seeking a motivated Paint Prep Technician who wants to build a long-term career in automotive refinishing. This role is ideal for candidates with previous paint prep, detailing, body shop, or other hands-on trade experience who are ready to develop into a professional Automotive Painter.
Working alongside experienced refinish technicians, you will receive hands-on training in OEM repair procedures, PPG paint systems, advanced color matching, blending techniques, and modern refinishing practices while contributing to high-quality repairs. This is the first step in a defined career path with one of Northern California's largest family-owned collision repair companies.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist painters with vehicle preparation, including washing, sanding, masking, priming, and cleaning surfaces.
Follow OEM, PPG, and Kniesel's Collision repair and refinish procedures to restore vehicles to pre-accident condition.
Assist with paint mixing, color matching, blending, and material preparation.
Learn and properly operate paint equipment, spray guns, paint booths, and related tools.
Follow repair plans and work orders to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
Perform quality checks and adhere to Kniesel's Quality Control (QC) standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Comply with all safety, environmental, and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Support production flow by moving vehicles, parts, and materials as needed.
Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure repairs meet manufacturer specifications.
Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.
Demonstrate a commitment to Kniesel's Collision's core values, quality standards, and customer service expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

• Previous automotive paint prep, detailing, body repair, or similar experience is preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and pride in craftsmanship.
• Experience using DA sanders, masking materials, pneumatic tools, or spray equipment is preferred
• Trade school or automotive technical education is a plus
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with others
• Ability to read and understand instructions on written estimates, work orders, and SOPs
• Reliable attendance and a desire to build a long-term career in collision repair
• Must be able to fluently read English
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to lift and move boxes, and furniture up to 20 pounds
• Maintains a well-groomed, professional appearance

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Career Development:

Build your career through hands-on training in:
OEM-approved repair and refinishing procedures
PPG paint systems and advanced color matching
Blending, waterborne paint technology, and paint booth operations
Spray gun setup, maintenance, buffing, and polishing
Quality control and industry best practices
I-CAR training and continuous professional development
Advancement opportunities from Paint Prep Technician to Automotive Painter, with future leadership potential through Kniesel's Management Trainee Program
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Why Kniesel's?
Sacramento's largest family-owned collision repair company
Supportive, team-oriented culture focused on craftsmanship and continuous learning
OEM-certified repair facilities with industry-leading equipment
Over 58 years of repair excellence
State-of-the-art repair facilities
Industry-leading equipment and training
Career advancement opportunities
Stable year-round workload
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Our Core Values:
The ideal candidate reflects Kniesel's core values:
1. WOW Customer Service
2. Integrity
3. Humility
4. Family
5. The Golden Rule
6. Quality
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What We Offer:
Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, and Paid Personal Time (PTO)
Competitive 401(k) Savings program with a company contribution
Life Insurance, EAP, Travel Assistance
Additional Life, LTD, AFLAC options available
Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.
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Pay Range: Competitive hourly pay ($18.00 - $35.00/hour DOE)
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Equal Opportunity Employer
Kniesel's Collision is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.