Auto Body Technician

Alright, let's talk about this job. It's a training role with Safelite in San Diego, CA. You're paid to learn how to become a certified auto glass technician. If you're okay with physical work, like solving problems with your hands, and you want a clear path to build a skill, this could be a solid fit.

What You'll Do & Learn

You'll get paid while going through their hands on and classroom training program. The goal is to earn your Safelite SafeTech certification so you can work on your own. Here’s what that involves:

• Learn by watching and helping with auto glass installations and repairs.
• Get trained on recalibrating car safety systems; you'll use computerized tools to run diagnostics and troubleshoot.
• Handle other services and products we offer.
• Safely drive company and customer vehicles, and use all the provided tools and chemicals for the job.
• The training ends with testing. You need to show you've got the installation skills down, along with a positive attitude and the techniques they teach.

What We're Looking For

You don't need prior experience in this field. We'll teach you that part. But there are some basic requirements to handle the work.

• A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• A valid driver's license from the state is required (any other licenses needed by law to drive a company vehicle are also required).
• The job is physical. You need to regularly lift 35 pounds, sometimes up to 50 pounds. You'll be on your feet for long stretches, working in tight spaces, bending, and twisting.
• You have to be comfortable working outside in all sorts of weather; heat, cold, rain; for most of the day.
• You'll work with various hand tools, power tools, and chemicals (some are flammable), following our specific methods.
• A professional appearance is expected; we provide a dress code and PPE policy.
• The schedule has some flexibility on start/end times to meet customer needs, but you're committing to working scheduled days.

The Skills That Help

A few things will make your day to day smoother once you're trained.

• Keeping your cool under pressure; time constraints and productivity goals are part of the job.
• A professional passion for great customer service; you're aiming to exceed expectations.
• Troubleshooting problems on your own or as part of a team.
• Basic comfort with tech: using computers for diagnostics and communicating in writing (via computer) or orally over the phone is part of it. You need to read, write, and understand English well enough for technical directions.

The Pay & The Path Forward

The pay starts at $20.25 an hour while you're in training. Once you complete the program and get certified, your rate goes up to $24 an hour.

There's also a small bonus: you earn an extra $5 for every set of wiper blades you add for a customer's safety.

This isn't a dead end job. After your first year, there's potential for promotion based on how you perform; they look at your efficiency, quality of work, and customer satisfaction scores to move up through their technician career levels.

Benefits & Support

Safelite puts together a pretty comprehensive package they value at over $10k. It includes:

A 401(k) plan with company matching. Medical insurance plans. Paid time off plus holidays. Volunteer time off. A unique program where you can buy up to 16 hours more PTO or sell unused time back. Significant tuition support; up to $5,250 every year. All the paid training, tools, and resources you need are provided. For all the details on health insurance options (medical/dental/vision), life insurance policies (basic/voluntary/ad&d), disability coverage (short term/long term), financial benefits like HSA/FSA accounts dependent care FSAs critical illness accident hospital indemnity plans legal plans pet insurance identity theft protection employee assistance programs commuter benefits employee stock purchase plan employee discount programs referral bonuses merit increases incentive pay programs career development opportunities etc., check out their full site: www.safelitebenefits.com. The total value statement refers only if enrolled in certain benefit offerings; actual value may vary depending elections made by employee.*