Article Summary
The 2026 ATMC training benchmarks survey found that collision repair technicians identify advanced driver assistance systems, electric vehicle systems, paint and refinish work, and structural repair as their top training needs, with 44.4% of collision repair respondents selecting each area.
- Top training needs: 44.4% of collision repair technicians selected ADAS, paint/refinish, EV systems, and structural repair as priorities
- Survey scope: 2,685 total respondents in 2026 (up from 1,725 in 2025), but only 0.5% were collision repair technicians, indicating a small sample
- Age concern: 36% of collision repair respondents were ages 55-64, with 9% age 65+, and zero respondents in the 18-24 age group
- Training access improved: 69% of all respondents reported access to needed training in 2026, up from 59.37% in 2025
- Preferred format gap: 19.8% of respondents want classroom instruction (currently only 15.5% receive it) and 16% want hands-on labs (currently only 10.4%)
Training Needs: Survey Points to ADAS, EV and Refinish Gaps
Collision repair technicians who responded to a new industry survey identified advanced driver assistance systems, paint and refinish, hybrid and electric vehicle systems, and structural repair as key training needs.
The findings are included in the 2026 ATMC training benchmarks survey, conducted by the ASE Training Managers Council, Virginian group focused on automotive training and professional development, prepared the report. The council is part of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
This year, the survey received 2,685 responses in 2026. That was up from 1,725 responses in 2025. Most respondents were automotive repair technicians. They made up 71% of the 2026 survey group. Instructors made up 13%, while shop managers made up 10%.
Collision repair technicians made up 0.5% of the total survey group. That means the collision repair results should be treated as a small sample, not a full picture of the sector.
Among collision repair technician respondents, 44.4% selected advanced driver assistance systems as a training need. The same share selected paint and refinish, hybrid and electric vehicle systems, and collision structural repair.
Electrical and electronic systems followed at 33.3%. Collision estimating was selected by 22.2%.
The report also found that collision repair respondents tended to be older than automotive repair respondents. In the collision group, 36% were between 55 and 64 years old. Another 9% were 65 or older. No collision repair technician respondents were listed in the 18-to-24 age group.
Across all respondents, access to training improved in 2026. More than two-thirds (69%) said they had access to the training they need. That was up from 59.37% in 2025.
Among respondents who said they did not have access to needed training, 53% said the right topics were not available. Another 38% said quality training was not available.
Other barriers were tied to shop time and cost. In total, 29% said they could not take time off work. Also, 22% said training cost too much. Another 17% said they would have to travel too far.
The survey also found that respondents wanted more in-person instruction.
Classroom, instructor-led training accounted for 15.5% of reported training. However, 19.8% of respondents said they wanted that format.
Hands-on, instructor-led lab training accounted for 10.4% of reported training and 16% said they wanted that format.
