Automotive Collision Repair
Degree Options:
Associate Degree, Certificate, DiplomaCampus Location:
AthensDivision
Business, Industry, and TechnologyStudents spend much of their time in the shop with hands-on training. The program utilizes program vehicles as well as live work from faculty, students, and staff. Additionally, students sometimes have the option to utilize their own vehicles on the training competencies to build their skills, improve the condition and appearance of their vehicles, as well as build a rolling résumé showcasing their abilities.
Graduates have a wide array of opportunities in the automotive industry with existing organizations or they can be self employed. Many become body repair technicians, refinishers, estimators, glass replacement technicians, or specialize in automotive detailing. Some choose to work in the automotive restoration industry as well. The median annual wage for automotive body and related repairers was $47,270 in May 2021 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Graduates that work in the collision repair industry are routinely sent by their employers for annual training to keep pace with the growing automotive technologies while adding additional credentials to their résumé. OEM specific training, offered directly from the auto manufacturers, is common and in many shops required. The employees are paid to attend these training opportunities at the manufacturer training centers. Additionally, graduates of the Automotive Collision Repair Associate Degree can utilize the transferable credits from the credential at applicable four year colleges. The program utilizes the I-CAR PDP-ee curriculum in the courses offered. Upon successful completion of the I-CAR assessments, students can take the end of program test to earn the I-CAR Pro-Level 1 credential. I-CAR curriculum and training is industry recognized and utilized in the collision repair industry for continuing education once employed.
Specific Facility, Tools Or Educational Tools Available
The program utilizes modern, state of the art equipment and curriculum selected with advisement directly from industry stake holders. There are separate dedicated areas in the shop specializing in basic body repair techniques, major collision repair, refinishing, and welding. The program offers multiple classrooms with a computer lab.
Featured Courses
ACRP 2002 Painting and Refinishing Techniques
ACRP 2010 Major Collision Repair
ACRP 1017 Mechanical and Electrical Systems I
Additional Details
Class Times Offered:
Daytime