Overview
Our Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing program provides the detail-minded student with the technical knowledge and skills, character, and work ethic necessary to begin a rewarding career in this fast-paced, high-tech industry. The dynamic and challenging curriculum provides students a great opportunity to work on both “live” and training vehicles with cosmetic and serious structural damage. In the process, students hone their skills in welding, cutting, surface preparation, painting, refinishing, plastic repair, abrasives, solvents, and estimation.
The curriculum also includes a basic introduction to automotive mechanical and electrical systems. Our state-of-the-art virtual painting program allows students to practice painting and refinishing techniques in an eco-friendly learning environment. Graduates are eligible for one year of credit toward the two-year work requirement necessary for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) collision repair technician certification.
VTE Framework: Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing
Grade 9
The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program is designed to provide students with the the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry. Students begin introductory lessons in auto industry safety standards. Students will engage in and receive instruction in collision repair methods and introduction to auto body and frame construction techniques.
Grade 10
The 10th grade collision repair program provides the student with the opportunity to acquire skills in the following areas: shop and personal safety procedures; MIG and oxyacetylene welding and cutting; care and use of power tools, hand tools, and shop equipment; analyzing, repair of collision damage and replacement of auto glass. Students gain experience working on customers’ automobiles in a shop environment that simulates a commercial auto body shop.
The theory related to the varied aspects of collision repair technology is covered in this course, particularly MIG and oxyacetylene welding, cutting and brazing, power and hand tool use, and spray equipment. Students also gain knowledge of the history of auto body and frame construction, analysis and repair of metal damage, including panel replacement, and spraying of both color and clear coats.
Grade 11
The 11th grade curriculum provides the students with a more in depth knowledge of collision repair and automotive refinishing techniques using a state of the art Water Based paint line. Students will analyze and repair areas of damage including frame and unibody repair utilizing the chief frame and laser beam alignment frame Collision Repair system. Students also work on plastic body repair projects, repair electric systems, provide front suspension service, and refinish automotive exteriors, becoming proficient in the proper use and setup of the well-built downdraft spray booth well using a Sata fresh air respirator system.This course also includes analysis and repair of different areas of collision damage repair of automotive air conditioning and electrical systems; and front suspension repair and service.
Grade 12
The 12th grade program provides the student with complete coverage of advanced auto body repair, as well as the most advanced types of paints used and proper application methods. Other areas covered in this course include analysis and repair of major collision damage; MIG welding; determining when to repair or replace parts; estimating and preparing for job interviews. I-Car DVD classroom curriculum provides students with the most up to date information on paints used in the industry as well as methods of application and troubleshooting paint problems. Analyzing major collision damage, MIG welding, analyzing when to repair or to replace parts, estimation preparation, and preparing for job interviews and career success are also included in grade 12 related theory classes.
Training/ Skills You will Learn
• Damage analysis
• Welding and cutting
• Plastic repair
• Structural and non-structural repair
• Mechanical and electrical introduction
• Painting and refinishing
• Repair Rusted Out Panel
Career Opportunities
With a High School Degree
Auto Body Repairer
Salaries: $24,470 per year
With a 2 Year College Degree
Auto Body Technician
Salaries: $45,630 per year
With a 4 Year College Degree
Repair Technician
Salaries: $70,670+ per year