Collision Repair Technology

Instructor:
Mr. Darrin Dale
Email Mr. Darrin Dale
CIP Code: 47.0603

The Collision Repair Technology Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, motivation, and work ethic to begin working in entry-level collision repair positions or to continue education at a post-secondary institution.  The main components of the program are appropriate use of hand and power tools, welding, minor body repairs, and paint and refinishing.  Students learn major body repairs, glass door service, electrical systems, and cost estimating.  Students are also instructed on frame damage using a computerized laser measuring system.  

The collision repair industry is growing larger each year. It is rapidly becoming a $30 billion-a-year industry. It is not directly affected by the ups and downs in the economy; therefore, it does provide steady work.

Areas of Instruction:

  • MIG Welding

  • Computerized Estimating

  • Plastic Welding & Repair

  • Painting & Refinishing

  • Sheet Metal Repair & Replacement

  • Structural & Non-Structural

  • Waterborne Paint

Advancement Opportunities:

  • Shop manager

  • Production Foreman

  • Parts Manager

  • Estimator

  • Vocational Instructor

  • Open your own Business

Career Opportunities:

  • Frame and Unitized Construction Technician

  • Collision and Sheet Metal Technician

  • Refinishing Technician/Painter

  • Insurance Adjuster/Damage Estimator

  • Glass Installer

  • Collision Repair Owner

Career Information:

Yearly earnings potential can be in the range of $18,000 – $60,000, depending on skills, experience, type of work performed, and geographic location. Fringe benefits vary widely. Pay may be based on an hourly wage, on a percentage of the amount charged, a percentage of the team output, or a combination of these payment structures.

What are the Benefits?

Opportunities should be best for those with formal collision repair  training. The  demand for qualified collision repair technicians will increase due to the increasing population. The collision repair industry offers some of the best opportunities available for steady employment, good income potential, earning while you learn, a sense of accomplishment, employment in all geographic areas and building communication skills. Students have the opportunity to earn their CDL at a significantly reduced cost!

Types of jobs available include:

  • Frame & Unitized Construction Technician

  • Collision & Sheet Metal Technician

  • Refinishing Technician/Painter

  • Insurance Adjuster/Damage Estimator

  • Glass Installer

  • Collision Repair Shop Owner

Skills Needed:

Like any other career, certain skills are required to be successful at what you do.  Some of those qualities are knowing how to understand the following:

  • Ratios (paint mixing)

  • Estimates (repair cost)

  • Working with inventory

  • Understanding cost control

  • Measurements

  • Excellent communicator and listener

  • Writing estimates

  • Sending and receiving bills

  • Computer skills

  • Common sense and patience

College Credits available in Collision Repair from:

St. Francis University

PA College of Technology

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Excelsior College

Soar Credits

NOTE: Dual enrollment credits are available through Penn College!

Adult Education Information

Cost: $7,000.00 – Includes books, PA State Inspection LicenseICARASE student, NOCTI, and OSHA Certification. Estimated expenses not included in tuition: Criminal Record Check – $22.00 Child Abuse Clearance – $13.00 Federal Criminal History Record-$23.85
Uniforms – $100.00 Work Boots – $100.00 Respirator – $20.00, $300.00 deposit that will go toward tuition.                                                                                                                                                                                      

Academic Year:  9 months/900 hours
Start Date: August
Schedule:  Monday-Friday,  8:30 am-2:30 pm

Book included in tuition
ISBN 9780357139790
Auto Body Repair Technology 7th Edition
James E. Duffy