FenderBender and ABRN have teamed up with TechForce Foundation to share perspectives from the new generation of mobility technicians. Read on for insights that you can use to grow your talent pool.
Jessica Freeland began training to be a collision technician at age 30, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Today, she manages Redline Autobody and Repair in Pennsylvania. Hear from Jessica what she’s learned as a technician in the industry.
As a woman in an industry where fewer than 3% of technicians are women, what have you learned?
Over the years I was in school, I met maybe six other women in my program. It was daunting, but my instructors were a big help. I applied myself and really engaged with my classes and my instructors were excited to teach because of it.
I have learned that there is certainly a place for us in the shop. I have heard from industry veterans that women bring new perspectives that can help shops. The science shows that women see colors differently, and when it comes to something like body and paint, that helps.
I have also learned not to wait for someone to give me permission to pursue my goals. This industry can be difficult to navigate, and doubly so as a woman. Having a thick skin helps, but so does having a purpose. Staying focused on my goals has helped me remember that I belong here, and so have the instructors and colleagues who encouraged me along the way.
You entered this industry later in life than most. What made you choose to become a technician?
I have always been interested in cars, but I have never had the time to learn to work on cars professionally. Still, when my dad was quoted a large sum for a new window regulator, I thought, “I could probably replace that for less.” After I checked YouTube to learn how to do the repair, I started seeing ads for tech school. I decided to take a tour, and I really liked it, so I decided to enroll.
Within six months of enrolling in school, I was working at a dealership. I stayed there for two years and eventually worked my way up to 2nd painter before taking time off to finish my technical education. Now as a tech, I am continuing to get I-CAR certification and stay on top of ever-evolving technology.
My career goal is to start a shop for maintenance and body repair focused on BMW. The goal is to provide dealer-quality repairs for enthusiasts like my dad without the dealer prices.
What do you think the industry could be doing better?
The industry could do a much better job of keeping used cars on the road. Lots of customers’ cars are being totaled out by insurance companies for repairable damage.
I am working to start a non-profit to get totaled cars back on the road and in the hands of families in need. By giving cars to the families of children with special needs, we can keep cars out of the crusher and make sure families have reliable transportation.
