Auto Collision

Career Outlook:

Earning Potential:

Median: $47,020/year

Job Growth:

3% (Average)

Credentials:

OSHA 10-Hour
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
- B2 Painting & Refinishing
- B3 Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair
- B4 Structural Analysis & Damage Repair
- B5 Mechanical and Electrical Components

Topics:

Introduction to auto body repair and refinishing
Auto body shop safety practices and procedures
Auto body repair tools and equipment
Auto body parts and materials identification
Auto body frame and structural repair
Auto body paint and refinishing techniques
Auto body electrical and mechanical repairs
Auto body welding and cutting techniques
Auto body estimation and customer service
Career exploration and job readiness
And more!

Program Overview

Collins Career Technical Center offers an on-campus program in Automotive Collision for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to repair and refinish automotive bodies, as well as the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.

Students in this program will receive hands-on training in automotive collision repair, including welding, bodywork, and painting. They will also learn about safety regulations, estimating repairs, and customer service. In addition, students will have access to the latest technology and equipment used in the automotive collision industry.

Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to pursue further education or employment in the automotive industry. This program also provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

What do Auto Collisions Repair Technicians Do?

Automotive body repairers typically do the following:

Review damage reports, prepare cost estimates, and plan work
Inspect cars for structural damage
Remove damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, hoods, grilles, and trim
Realign car frames and chassis to repair structural damage
Hammer out or patch dents, dimples, and other minor body damage
Fit, attach, and weld replacement parts into place
Sand, buff, and prime refurbished and repaired surfaces
Apply new finish to restored body parts

Automotive body and glass repairers can repair most damage from vehicle collisions and make vehicles look and drive like new. Repairs may be minor, such as replacing a cracked windshield, or major, such as replacing an entire door panel. After a major collision, the underlying frame of a car can become weakened or compromised. Body repairers restore the structural integrity of car frames to manufacturer specifications.

Body repairers use pneumatic tools and plasma cutters to remove damaged parts, such as bumpers and door panels. They also often use heavy-duty hydraulic jacks and hammers for major structural repairs, such as aligning the body. For some work, they use common hand tools, such as metal files, pliers, wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers.

In some cases, body repairers complete an entire job by themselves. In other cases, especially in large shops, they use an assembly line approach in which they work as a team with each individual performing a specialized task.

Although body repairers sometimes prime and paint repaired parts, painting and coating workers generally perform these tasks.