AUTO BODY AND COLLISION REPAIR

facts-at-a-glance

The Auto Body/Collision Repair program at the Career & Technology Center is a two year program for students who are interested in a variety of careers available in the Collision Repair industry. Instruction is provided through the industry standard I-CAR curriculum which includes over 200 collision repair standards.

During their first year students will study:

• Safety
• Basic hand and power tools 
• Estimating
• Body construction
• Lifting & supporting a vehicle
• MIG welding
• Bolted on and welded on cosmetic panel or assembly replacement
• Metal repair and straightening
• Surface evaluation and prep of existing finishes
• Surface evaluation and prep of bare substrates
• Masking
• Selection reduction and application of undercoats

During their s econd year students will study:

• Equipment related safety
• Job specific hand and power tools
• Bolted and welded on structural panel or assembly replacement
• Unibody correction ( analyzing measuring anchoring supporting and pulling )
• Steering and suspensions
• Steering geometry
• Masking
• Undercoat evaluation and preparation
• Color formulation and adjustment
• Selection reduction and application of top coats
•        ( sealers color coats and clear coats )
• Removal of paint imperfections and defects
• Graphics, striping and decals
• Plastics repairs and welding
• Paintless dent repair

A third year of extended technical studies is available and is individualized to focus on technical knowledge and skills that are specific to individual career goals.  Students often supplement instruction with internships or apprenticeships in local shops working with lead technicians to develop proficiency. 

The essential curriculum objectives for the Auto Body/Collision Repair program are available at http://www.fcpsteach.org/docs/auto_body.pdf

Graduates of the AutoBody/Collision Repair program are encouraged to go on to post-secondary education at technical collegesor pursue a four year degree that will compliment their automotive interests.  (See the career options page)
 
Mathematics, (including algebra) and a strong physical science & c hemistry background can be an advantage for students who want to pursue a career in the AutoBody/Collision Repair field.

Students who are accepted to the program are expected to supply the following items.  Specifics will be provided at parent/student orientation. For students/parents who are concerned about the ability to provide these items because of financial constraints, please contact the instructor regarding options

• Leather w ork boots
• Organic vapor welding respirator
• Organic vapor respirator
• Rubber mixing gloves
• 1/4” shallow and deep metric socket set
• 3/8” shallow and deep metric socket set
• 8MM-20MM metric wrench set
• #2 straight screwdriver
• #2 phillips screwdriver
• T-15 torx screwdriver
• Starting hammer & dolly set
• Sanding block and long board