Body Shop Tech Trainee in Evington, Virginia at Sonny Merryman Inc
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Job Description
About Company:
About the Role:
Overview
The Body Shop Technician Trainee supports the main body shop by learning and performing body-related repairs under the guidance of senior technicians. This position includes hands-on training in bodywork repairs, fiberglass repairs, priming and painting, masking, parts replacement, and other vehicle body repair tasks. When wreck repairs or main body shop repair work are not available, the trainee will support and learn the Body Shop PDI process for new buses, including inspection, correction, documentation, and customer-specific preparation duties.
General Responsibilities and Tasks/Duties
Perform Body Shop Repairs and Training Duties (60% of time allocated)
- Learn and perform bodywork repairs under the direction of senior body shop technicians.
- Perform fiberglass repairs, panel repairs, surface preparation, sanding, masking, priming, and painting as assigned.
- Replace damaged or worn body-related parts and components as needed.
- Assist with various body-related repairs on buses and other vehicles brought into the main body shop.
- Use proper repair procedures, tools, materials, and safety practices while developing body shop repair skills.
- Remain willing to learn from senior technicians and apply coaching, feedback, and demonstrated repair methods.
Learn and Support Body Shop PDI Process (25% of time allocated)
- Learn and follow the Body Shop PDI checklist tailored to each new bus or vehicle type.
- Conduct visual inspections of exterior panels for dents, dings, creases, fiberglass concerns, and paint flaws.
- Verify correct placement of reflective tape, decals, and customer-specific items.
- Inspect windshields, windows, doors, emergency exits, hood mechanisms, interior components, flooring, seat covers, and paneling for damage or defects.
- Identify potential water leaks, missing seam caulking, damaged gaskets, or other body-related concerns.
- Perform PDI repair and correction duties when wreck repairs or main body shop repair work are not available.
Documentation and Communication (15% of time allocated)
- Communicate unresolved PDI issues with the QA team.
- Record completed tasks in the Access database and update the PDI delivery schedule.
- Maintain accurate documentation for repair orders and warranty checklists.
- Follow procedures for warranty repairs, parts billing, and tracking ordered parts.
- Submit daily work reports to the QA team.
- Support shop organization and participate in 5S initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals, shop operations, and company needs.
Expectations/Successes:
A successful Body Shop Technician Trainee should be dependable, detail oriented, safety conscious, and willing to learn body shop repair methods from senior technicians. The trainee should develop the ability to complete bodywork repairs, fiberglass repairs, priming and painting preparation, masking, parts replacement, and other assigned body-related repairs while also supporting the Body Shop PDI process for new buses when main body shop repair work is limited. Success can be measured by continued skill growth, quality repairs, accurate documentation, teamwork, efficient completion of assigned work, and vehicles completed with zero comebacks.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- General knowledge of body repair techniques, fiberglass repair, surface preparation, priming, and painting application preferred; willingness to learn required.
- Basic understanding of vehicle operations and components.
- Proficient with basic hand tools and equipment.
- Basic computer skills and data entry.
- Strong communication skills and willingness to work with a team.
- Willingness to learn from senior technicians, troubleshoot repair concerns, and expand product and body shop process knowledge.
Physical Demands:
- Standing and walking for extended periods during a shift (often 8-10hours).
- Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting while performing repairs or retrieving parts and materials.
- The ability to push or pull carts, jacks, or other equipment as needed.
- Repetitive tasks such as sanding, masking, priming preparation, parts handling, loading, unloading, and moving repair materials.
- The capability to work in a physically demanding environment with continuous movement.
- The ability to lift and carry 50lbs regularly.