Jerry Weston Jr., a collision repair instructor in Flint, Michigan, is running an afterschool program for children ages five to 13 to introduce them to auto collision repair and related high-tech skills.
Weston told Automotive News he often has to teach basics like screwdriver types because many young people lack repair experience, and he warns a collision repair workforce shortage is looming as older workers retire.
The collision repair field increasingly requires sensor replacement and calibration for driver-assistance systems, and a survey by CCC Intelligent Solutions and the Collision Repair Education Foundation found 95% would be more interested if they knew it involved advanced software tools.
Weston uses hands-on tasks and virtual reality painting to let students try repairs without fumes or material costs, aiming to spark early interest in collision repair careers.
This summary is based on coverage by Jalopnik.
Read the full article at Jalopnik.
More automotive news: Latest car news