If the leather is in good condition, you can spray it with SEM vinyl upholstery paint. Clean the wheel very well with lacquer thinner, and if you leave wheel in truck, mask everything very well. Price of a new steering wheel can be shocking.
Not sure what they look for. Someone who is detail oriented and can perform quality work I guess. Customers don't want to see any trace of the accident when they pick up their car. And it didn't hurt to know the owner either.
I had some training 30 plus years ago, and have done body work in my home shop off and on.Dealership shops are nice because you're working mostly on one brand, and can assemble them in your sleep after a while.
CDs are higher quality, but they are doomed. Bluetooth from a smartphone is just too convenient. My first new toyota truck (1980) came with an 8 track !