Automotive Collision Repair Technology
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Potential Positions
Most program graduates work as automotive body technicians for independent auto body repair shops and automobile or truck dealers who specialize in body repairs and painting. Opportunities may also exist to work for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking companies and automobile rental companies, automotive dealerships, automotive manufacturing plants, automotive recyclers, automotive parts and plastics supply shops, independent collision repair shops, detailing shops, aircraft detail and repair shops, boat manufacturers, and industrial manufacturing plants. Potential positions include automotive repair technician, automotive glass specialist, automotive painter, auto body supply salesperson or body shop manager.
Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities in the automotive collision repair industry are expected to grow 13% through the year 2012. Demand for qualified auto body technicians will increase because, as the number of motor vehicles in operation grows with the nation’s population, the number of vehicles damaged in accidents is expected to increase as well. Due to rapid changes in technology, opportunities should be best for persons with formal training in automotive body repair. Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the Automotive Collision Repair Technology program is 94%. The graduate starting median wage is $14.58 with a wage potential of $28.05.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks
Specific tasks typically required of an automotive body technician include:
Repairing, repainting, and refinishing automotive vehicle bodies;
Straightening bent vehicle frames and unibody using a pneumatic frame-straightening machine;
Removing dents and replacing crumpled parts that are beyond repair;
Replacing damaged vehicle glass;
Filling depressions with body filler, grinding and sanding repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools;
Painting and sanding the repaired surface, using paint spray gun and motorized sander;
Repairing or replacing plastic bumpers;
Aligning body panels (i.e. doors, fenders, hoods, etc.);
Repairing fiberglass and adjusting moveable glass.
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This program typically starts in Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters
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