CCC, CREF survey finds young students and professionals view collision industry positively

CCC Intelligent Solutions and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) have published a workforce study based on a survey of students and young professionals that shows they hold a positive perception of the collision repair industry, according to a press release.

The “Future of Collision Repair Workforce Study” also highlights the 475 respondents’ eagerness to pursue a career that combines hands-on work with advanced technology in a field they view as stable and rewarding. The survey includes high school, college, and technical/vocational students, as well as recent graduates considering careers in collision repair.

“To build a strong future for the collision repair industry, we need to understand how the next generation views our field,” said Andreas Hecht, SVP, head of OEM partnerships for CCC Intelligent Solutions and member of the CREF board of trustees. “By raising awareness of collision repair as a dynamic career path and providing training on the cutting-edge technology used by professionals, we can build a steady influx of talent for years to come.”

Ninety-five percent of respondents said they’re confident that collision repair is more stable than traditional college-degree jobs. At the same time, 74% believe a career in the industry also offers higher earning potential.

Thirty-one percent said they’re interested in the career because of the promise of work-life balance, and the flexibility and variety of tasks at work.

In addition:

• • Eighty-one percent of respondents want a career where they can work with their hands
  • Eighty-two percent of respondents want a career where they can use technology
  • Ninety-five percent said knowing they would regularly use advanced software and AI tools would increase their interest in a collision repair career

Meanwhile, 69% said they thought collision repair work was mostly done with manual tools, and 30% had concerns about high physical demands. Twenty-nine percent also expressed concerns about the social stigma of trade work.

“It’s rewarding to see that incoming students view collision repair as a stable profession offering long-term career advancement opportunities,” said Brandon Eckenrode, CREF’s executive director, in the release. “By continuing to collaborate across the industry, showcasing success stories, and providing scholarships, funding and technological training to students and schools, we can effectively raise awareness and create opportunities for students eager to join the profession.”

He added that CREF appreciates CCC’s leadership in conducting the research and, in response, providing access to its CCC ONE Estimating software for all of CREF’s current and future member schools.

Since 2011, in partnership with CREF, CCC has donated more than $75 million through in-kind CCC ONE donations to hundreds of schools, the release states.

“Our collision repair customers tell us that when they hire students trained on the same technology used to run their shop, they ramp up more quickly,” said Mark Fincher, CCC’s product management vice president, in the release. “CCC is committed to helping our customers get the most from their investment with us, which means investing in their future workforce.”

CCC engaged Hanover Research to conduct the survey. Respondents were U.S. residents aged 16 years or older. All were open to considering a career in collision repair or already planning to apply to a collision repair program.

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