Automotive painting - how best to start out, courses, jobs..
Discussion
It sounds like your job at the mo is probably ok paid. Painting won't be.
However if that doesn't bother you then here is what it's like from my experience ( I used to work in a garage with a paint shop it wasn't my job but helped out sometimes in it )
It's boring as hell. Your doing the same thing day in day out.
Sand down
Wipe off
Paint
Polish
That's it unless you work on the repair side of things.
To be a good painter takes a lot of experience. Not sure if they do college courses on it these days I certainly not heard of any around here. It's more of a thing for a apprentice starting off doing that way you learn the ropes etc that you would never learn on a college course. I presume some colleges must do it as I would think people would want to be qualified to do the job.
However if that doesn't bother you then here is what it's like from my experience ( I used to work in a garage with a paint shop it wasn't my job but helped out sometimes in it )
It's boring as hell. Your doing the same thing day in day out.
Sand down
Wipe off
Paint
Polish
That's it unless you work on the repair side of things.
To be a good painter takes a lot of experience. Not sure if they do college courses on it these days I certainly not heard of any around here. It's more of a thing for a apprentice starting off doing that way you learn the ropes etc that you would never learn on a college course. I presume some colleges must do it as I would think people would want to be qualified to do the job.
From my experience, it's not always what you want to do that drives the desire to change, but what you do not want to do.
You're clearly experiencing challenges in your current role, despite seemingly doing OK, with the prospect of advancement. This of course brings added responsibility and a demand for new competencies. If you're feeling anxious about this is it due to a perceived lack of skills, challenges of working with some of your collegues or is it external/personal issues that are affecting your outlook at work? Is there anything you can do to turnaround these negative feelings in your current employment?
As others have said, you need to be really sure what you ask for. A happy painter is a certain type of person; patient, massive attention to detail, not particularly ambitious, enjoys repetition, enjoys working alone, little room for wage advancement, often paid by (pressurised) piece-work - is that you? It could take many years of poorly paid apprenticeship to master the craft, and indeed, you may be one of the many who doesn't; what would you do then?
If you're sure painting is for you, I'd trawl the body shops and talk to them. If it's more about your current role, is there anything you can do to turnaround your feelings towards it? Happy to chat through further if that would help. Good luck!
You're clearly experiencing challenges in your current role, despite seemingly doing OK, with the prospect of advancement. This of course brings added responsibility and a demand for new competencies. If you're feeling anxious about this is it due to a perceived lack of skills, challenges of working with some of your collegues or is it external/personal issues that are affecting your outlook at work? Is there anything you can do to turnaround these negative feelings in your current employment?
As others have said, you need to be really sure what you ask for. A happy painter is a certain type of person; patient, massive attention to detail, not particularly ambitious, enjoys repetition, enjoys working alone, little room for wage advancement, often paid by (pressurised) piece-work - is that you? It could take many years of poorly paid apprenticeship to master the craft, and indeed, you may be one of the many who doesn't; what would you do then?
If you're sure painting is for you, I'd trawl the body shops and talk to them. If it's more about your current role, is there anything you can do to turnaround your feelings towards it? Happy to chat through further if that would help. Good luck!
Sorry guys, i meant to edit post - not delete. Thank you for the comments, after having a good chat with family and friends i think what i really need is a hobby! I used to spend all my spare time playing/restoring cars - and for the past two years i've just concentrated with work. Maybe i'm just missing the 'ol times of getting my hands mucky and playing with motors.
You guys have emphasised some points about pay/work ethos within this industry - and maybe its an art i should just admire rather than pursue...
Regards
You guys have emphasised some points about pay/work ethos within this industry - and maybe its an art i should just admire rather than pursue...
Regards
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