Colonial Collision Centre motor vehicle body repair technician Jeff Verge grinds the front hood of a damaged car recently. (TIM KROCHAK / Staff)

JeffVerge of Hammonds Plains is the sort of guy who likes to work with his hands.

The 28- year- old spent a couple of years studying to be a machinist before learning he was not suited to the hours at a computer screen demanded in that field.

Then one day he was helping out at a friend's auto body shop when he realized there is indeed in the digital age a satisfying line of work that does not involve sitting in front of a computer.

"I knew I wanted to be doing something withmy hands, and this could be it," said the auto- body repair technician of his decision to return to school to retrain for a different line of work.

Mr. Verge is in the process of completing his formal training and apprenticeship to become a certified autobody repair technician.

His certification will be interprovincial, but there are no plans to join the multitudes of young people heading west for this student at the Akerley campus of Nova Scotia Community College.

"I do not have to head west. I have lots of jobs to choose from here," he said.

He is just completing his two- year program, including his 8,000 hour apprenticeship, and feels the return to school was worth it even though he had previously completed a two- year course.

"I"m lucky to have something I enjoy doing," he said before turning to the next smashed- up vehicle that required his attention at the ColonialHondaCollision Centre, where he was adding to his required time on the job

NATURE OF THE WORK
Auto- body repairers restore damaged body parts and interior finishes.

They fill holes and seams, hammer out dents and buckles, remove damaged parts, and file and sand surfaces. They may also apply primers and paint to surfaces, and repair or replace interior components.

SKILLS
You should have mechanical aptitude, patience, reliability, co- ordination and agility. Lightness of touch and attention to detail are important. Some physical strength may be needed. This work requires excellent spatial and form perception. You should be able to visualize a finished piece of work from a sketch or brief description.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Motor vehicle body repairer ( metal and paint) and automotive painter are designated apprenticeship trades in Nova Scotia. Although you are not required by legislation to be certified in these designated occupations, many Nova Scotia employers require you to be a registered apprentice or hold a certificate of qualification.

Completion of high school or its equivalent and a three- to four- year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over three years of work experience in the trade and completion of a high school or college automotive body repair program are usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Red Seal trade certification ( allowing interprovincial mobility) is available for qualified motor vehicle body repairers and automotive painters

WORK PROSPECTS
Demand for this occupation is steady. Motor vehicle body repairers are employed by automobile dealers, automobile body repair companies, automobile appraisal centres and motor vehicle manufacturers or they may be selfemployed. Those with diversified skills in front- end alignment, detailing and frame straightening are in particular demand.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION