Non-Structural Technician

Become a Non-Structural Repair Technician in Aurora, CO

Do you enjoy working with your hands and staying physically active? Are you passionate about cars and eager to pursue a career in the automotive industry? You might consider becoming a non-structural repair technician. At Pickens Technical College, our Non-Structural Repair Technician program in Aurora, CO, allows you to gain practical, hands-on experience in our simulated shop environment. You’ll graduate ready to get to work on customers’ vehicles.

What Does a Non-Structural Technician Do?

After an auto accident, collision repair can be divided into two categories: structural and non-structural. Structural repairs involve the structural elements of the vehicle, such as the frame and suspension. Any components that are necessary for maintaining the integrity and safety of the vehicle are considered structural.

Non-structural repairs deal with functional and aesthetic damage that isn’t crucial to the structure of the vehicle. These include damaged doors, bumpers, fenders, and panels.

A non-structural repair technician is an auto repair expert who specializes in the repair of non-structural elements. Some of the typical tasks of these technicians include the following:

• Conducting a damage analysis
• Developing an estimate for the customer
• Performing repairs to the panels or replacing unfixable panels
• Welding new components onto the vehicle
• Applying filler, sanding, and preparing the surface for painting

Benefits of a Non-Structural Repair Technician Career

If you’re thinking about enrolling in our collision repair certification program, then you’re likely curious about the potential benefits of pursuing this type of career. Some of the reasons why you might choose this line of work include the following:

• It’s a high-paying career that you can get started in quickly.
• As long as there are vehicles, there will always be a need for skilled repair technicians.
• You won’t be stuck behind a desk in an office; instead, you’ll enjoy an active workplace.
• You may enjoy the hands-on work.
• There may be opportunities for career advancement.

Essential Skills for a Non-Structural Technician in Aurora

At Pickens Technical College, our career-focused collision repair training program will teach you all of the skills necessary to succeed in this industry. You’ll learn everything from how to conduct a damage analysis on a vehicle to how to perform basic welding. To get started, we suggest that you have a foundation of basic algebra knowledge, along with English literacy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We also suggest that you be able to lift approximately 50 pounds and be physically fit or energetic enough to perform manual tasks for at least five hours at a time.

As you progress through the program and begin to gain experience in your career as a non-structural repair technician, you’ll continue to develop skills in the following areas:

• Basic automotive knowledge
• Auto damage assessment and diagnostic skills
• Use of tools, including welding equipment, power grinders, and wrenches
• Safety procedures and equipment

In addition to these technical skills, non-structural repair technicians can benefit from having a number of non-technical skills, known as soft skills. These soft skills can help you become more effective in the workplace. They include the following:

• Communication skills
• Customer service
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Strong work ethic
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability

Enroll in Our Non-Structural Repair Technician Program

At Pickens Technical College in Aurora, CO, you can learn how to pursue a rewarding career in the automotive industry with our Non-Structural Repair Technician program. Using the I-CAR Advance Tech Curriculum, our instructors will walk you through the fundamentals of assessing damage and repairing the non-structural elements of vehicles. You’ll spend about half of your time in the classroom and the remaining half gaining hands-on experience in our simulated shop environment performing hands-on tasks.

This one-year training program is highly affordable and career-focused, and it’s available to both high school students and adults. All of your credits earned at our technical college can be transferred to other Colorado colleges. Contact us today for more information about enrolling in our career training programs.