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Collision Repair Apprentice Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

... collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions ... Directs the work of an apprentice in the performance of tasks when needed, i.e., unusual problems ...

... collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions ... Directs the work of an apprentice in the performance of tasks when needed, i.e., unusual problems ...

... collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions ... apprentice in the performance of tasks when needed, i.e., unusual problems or questions and ...

... collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions ... apprentice in the performance of tasks when needed, i.e., unusual problems or questions and ...

Advise body shop estimator of additional damage or supplemental needs or if repairs will not be completed on time. * Lead work of any apprentice technicians and maintain ASE certifications.

Collision Repair Apprentice information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$12

$27

$49

How much do collision repair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for collision repair apprentice in Oak Ridge, TN is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Collision Repair Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Collision Repair Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of automotive repair, hand and power tool proficiency, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like frame straighteners, welding equipment, and estimating software, as well as certifications from organizations like I-CAR, are valuable. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality repairs, efficient teamwork, and successful progression in the collision repair industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Collision Repair Apprentices during their training period?

Collision Repair Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the use of specialized tools, learning to accurately assess vehicle damage, and keeping up with the latest repair technologies. Working alongside experienced technicians, apprentices must quickly adapt to a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and safety are critical. Additionally, balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can be demanding, but it offers valuable hands-on experience and builds a strong foundation for career advancement in the automotive repair industry.

What is a Collision Repair Apprentice?

A Collision Repair Apprentice is an entry-level worker in the automotive repair industry who is learning to restore vehicles damaged in accidents. Under the supervision of experienced technicians, apprentices assist with tasks such as removing dents, replacing damaged parts, and refinishing surfaces. They gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge through on-the-job training and, in some cases, classroom instruction. This role is an important step toward becoming a fully certified collision repair technician.

What is the difference between Collision Repair Apprentice vs Collision Repair Technician?

AspectCollision Repair ApprenticeCollision Repair Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, some certificationsCertifications often required (e.g., I-CAR, ASE)
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised workFull-time, independent repair work
Industry UsageEntry-level role, training phaseExperienced professional, repair specialist

The Collision Repair Apprentice is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision. The Collision Repair Technician is a more experienced role responsible for performing repairs independently, often requiring certifications. Both roles are integral to the auto body repair industry, with apprentices progressing toward becoming technicians.

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Collision Repair Apprentice jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Collision Repair Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Collision Repair Apprentice job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,428 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

$156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Crash Champions rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 362 rated vehicle maintenance


Job description

Champions Do More

As one of the fastest-growing and most exciting brands in the industry, Crash Champions is the largest founder-led multi-shop operator (MSO) of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. The company, which also operates the growing Crash Champions LUXE | EV Certified brand of highline and luxury EV repair centers, services customers at more than 650 state-of-the-art locations in 38 states across the U.S. Crash Champions was founded in 1999 as a single Chicago repair center by industry veteran and 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest award winner Matt Ebert. For more than 25 years, our vision has been anchored by the belief that delivering superior collision repair service is about People First. Welcome to Crash Champions. We Champion People. 

Responsibilities

Examines damaged vehicle and efficiently plans repair process. Works and communicates with others on vehicle repair status. Performs quality repairs while keeping on-time status in mind. Makes decisions on repair vs. replace considering safety, cost, and cycle time. Removes upholstery, accessories, electrical and hydraulic window operating equipment, and trim to gain access to vehicle and fenders. Participates in all required safety meetings. Files, grinds, and sands repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools. Directs the work of an apprentice in the performance of tasks when needed, i.e., unusual problems or questions and explains procedures to assistant.

Qualifications

Ability to use frame machine. Certification in body repair preferred. Knowledge of vehicle repair process by manufacturer. I-CAR welding certified. Skill in analyzing and interpreting measuring data. Ability to supervise repair personnel. Must be able to pass thorough background check

Benefits

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and annual updates:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan with match
  • Referral Bonus ("Cash From Crash")
  • 5 Paid Holidays

We are committed to providing competitive compensation for this role. The actual offer will be based on various factors, including but not limited to: job related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant certifications and qualifications.

This position is paid on a commission/ flag rate structure. Flag pay is guaranteed to meet local minimum wage requirements for all hours worked each week. The compensation range listed is the average flag pay range for a typical full-time employee in this position.

The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Posted Min Pay RateUSD $65,000.00/Yr.Posted Max Pay RateUSD $156,960.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Crash Champions employees say

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About Crash Champions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1999, and based in Chicago, IL, Crash Champions, LLC ("Crash Champions"or the"Company") is the fifth largest independent collision repair chain in the United States, with an established presence in 17 states- and formal direct repair program ("DRP") relationships with most leading insurance carriers. The Company is led by founder and CEO Matt Ebert, who maintains an impressive track record of both organic and acquisition growth. As an acquiror of choice with a value-added capital partner, Crash Champions is expected to grow from a multi-regional business into a nationally recognized provider of collision repair services. Based upon the current pipeline of acquisitions and greenfield openings.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westmont, IL, US

Year founded

1999