Building Skills: What I Learned About Auto-Body Repair

I’m pretty comfortable around a construction site. Give me a hammer, some power tools and a renovation project, and I’m in my happy place. But an auto body repair shop? That was definitely stepping outside my comfort zone!

In this episode of Trade Up with Sherry Holmes, in partnership with Skills Canada I try something completely new: auto-body repair.

 

And let me tell you… I quickly realized that repairing a vehicle is a lot more complicated than it looks!

I had the chance to meet Ethan Almeida, an incredibly talented young auto-body repair technician who is representing Team Canada at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, along with his mentor, Mark. Watching these two work together gave me a whole new appreciation for the skill, patience and precision that goes into this trade.

 

It’s More Than Fixing a Dent

 

One of the things I love about the skilled trades is that every day can bring something different. Auto-body repair is a perfect example.

Ethan explained that every vehicle—and every repair—is its own puzzle. You have to look at the damage, figure out the best approach and then have the skills to execute it properly.

 

 

I got to try my hand at some of those skills, including glue pulling, which can be used to repair dents while preserving the vehicle’s original paint. It was definitely a lot more technical than I expected!

And, of course, there were plenty of tools and techniques I had never worked with before.

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Then I Moved onto the Welding…

 

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, so I was excited to try welding.

But knowing how to weld and actually doing it are two very different things!

Ethan was incredibly patient as he walked me through the process. I was nervous, my hands were shaking, and I definitely had to concentrate. But that’s exactly what this series is all about—trying something new, getting uncomfortable and learning from people who are really good at what they do.

And Ethan is REALLY good at what he does. Seeing the dedication he has put into his craft—and knowing he was preparing to represent Canada on the world stage—was seriously inspiring.

 

Getting Into Autobody Refinishing

 

Here’s where Ethan and I were almost on the same level—and I mean almost! Autobody refinishing is a very specialized skill, and it’s not something Ethan does regularly, so for once, we were both learning something new.

Dressed in full protective gear, a state-of-the-art paint booth, we were ready to spray the base coat and clear coat. It looks easier than it is! I quickly learned that painting takes a steady hand, consistency and a LOT of patience. There’s really no hiding a mistake once it’s on the vehicle.

 

 

Mark and Brian from Glasurit also reinforced something I think is so important: investing in the next generation isn’t just about investing in equipment—it’s about mentorship, giving young people exposure to the trades and investing in people.

I was also surprised by how much autobody repair has in common with construction. Both require precision, problem-solving, patience and attention to detail. And at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than taking something that needs work and making it look—and work—better.

 

The Skilled Trades Are Full of Opportunity

 

 

One of my biggest takeaways from spending the day with Ethan and Mark was just how many opportunities there are in the skilled trades.

These aren’t “backup” careers. They are careers where you can build something, solve problems, work with your hands, keep learning and develop skills that are needed every single day.

Whether you’re interested in cars, construction, technology, aerospace, landscaping, baking or welding, there is a skilled trade out there that could be the right fit for you.

And you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do when you’re starting out. Try things. Ask questions. Get your hands on the tools. Find out what you enjoy.

That’s exactly why I wanted to make Trade Up with Sherry Holmes with Skills Canada. I want to show just how many exciting opportunities are out there—and introduce you to some of the incredible young people who are already building careers in these industries.

 

Want to See How I Did?

 

If you want to see me take on auto-body repair for myself, you’re going to have to watch the episode!

Head over to my YouTube channel, @thesherryholmesDIYchannel, to watch the full episode of Trade Up with Sherry Holmes | Autobody Repair and see whether my construction skills actually translated to the auto-body shop.

 

And this is just the beginning. Throughout the series, I’m getting hands-on with six different skilled trades, meeting talented competitors and learning what it really takes to build a career in each one.

Go check it out on YouTube—and let me know which trade you’d want to try!

The skilled trades are the future, and I’m pretty proud to be helping showcase the people who are building it.

 

RELATED: Skills Canada National Competition 2025: Skilled Trades

 

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