If you’re detail oriented, if you like working with your hands, if you’re a bit of a perfectionist, then Wayne CC’s auto body repair technology program is right for you.

Auto body repair technicians learn how to professionally complete a variety of tasks, including replacing and repairing glass, painting vehicle bodies, restoring and repairing damaged vehicle frames, replacing damaged outer parts, removing and replacing old or damaged parts, fixing upholstery, aligning wheels and much more.

You’ll learn about customer service and repair cost estimates, in addition to hands-on training and instruction in welding, machinery and power tools to fix damaged vehicles and get them looking like new again.

While most technicians become trained to work on small cars and trucks, the field of auto body repair is broad. Collision repair goes anywhere from fixing small dents and scratches to replacing entire doors or frames. You could specialize in glass repair, such as mirrors and windshields. Others learn how to work on large vehicles, such as buses or diesel trucks. If you become specialized in the auto body paint field, you will learn how to remove rust and debris and create specialized or custom paint finishes. Becoming a paint technician usually means that you’ll be doing that job specifically, as opposed to a full repair technician who will learn a wider variety of repair skills. In any case, learning the proper techniques is key to becoming proficient in this field, and as with any profession, the basics come first.

In order to correctly repair damaged vehicles, you’ll need to have a working knowledge of tools like metal cutting guns, pneumatic hammers and plasma cutters. The job is not always easy—small injury rates tend to be higher in this field, so you’ll want to learn how to properly use such tools to avoid getting hurt.

The need for car repairmen is certainly not expected to disappear any time in the near future, so upon completion of the program, the likelihood of employment is higher than in other fields—the projected job growth in this field is higher than average through 2024.

Although some employers do not necessarily require certification in this field, competition for workers without a degree or certificate means less pay and fewer opportunities. In addition, workers with formal education generally tend to require less on-the-job training, which is a big plus for employers. A worker without a degree would require anywhere from two to three years of professional training, and would still miss out on a lot of educational necessities that a certified student would already know. The learning curve is much smaller for these workers.

Jobs in the broad range of auto repair technology are growing across the board, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Job opportunities are projected to be very good for automotive body and glass repairers. The best opportunities in automotive body repair will be available to those with industry certification and formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing, and in collision repair. Those without any training or experience will face strong competition for jobs.”

Another great perk of this field is that you’ll never be bored. Just like nurses, IT workers, teachers, and many others, in order to keep up with technological changes in the field, workers are often sent by their employers to advanced and continued training programs. Companies may not require continued education, but keeping a leg up on competition motivates them to stay up to date—and this includes their employees. Many shops obtain the Certified Repair I-CAR Gold Class Professionals recognition, which means that they can provide you with annual training in the latest auto collision repair practices and technologies.

It isn’t all just technical work, either. Maintaining professionalism and being able to complete a repair in a timely fashion are both crucial to great customer service. For most people, their vehicle is their main method of transportation. After an accident, the damage done to a vehicle outwardly can compromise how it runs. Helping your customer get back on the road in a vehicle that looks like new again and is safe to operate is not only personally rewarding, but very helpful
as well.

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FACT SHEET

What is Auto Body Repair Technology?

It is the science of repairing the damage resulting from everyday vehicle collisions so vehicles will look and drive like new. This damage may be relatively minor, such as scraped paint or a dented panel, or major, requiring the complex replacement of parts. Such repair services are performed by trained workers.

What do graduates of the program do?

Venues include collision repair shops, insurance companies and automobile auctions. Many other technicians find work in business fleets, car and truck rental, custom paint shops and dealerships. Some graduates go into business for themselves. Automotive body and related repairers, often called collision repair technicians, straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that cannot be fixed. They repair all types of vehicles, and although some work on large trucks, buses, or tractor-trailers, most work on cars and small trucks. They can work alone, with only general direction from supervisors, or as specialists on a repair team. In some shops, helpers or apprentices assist experienced repairers.

What is the job outlook for graduates?

Outstanding. There are more openings than graduates. I-CAR, an industry non-profit national training organization, estimates the collision industry is short 50,000 technicians in the U.S. at this time, providing a wonderful opportunity for graduates. There are usually four employers to each available graduate each year. Employers seek out WCC Auto Body Tech grads. Skilled auto body technicians have the ability to write their own ticket when it comes to employment.

How long does it take to complete the program?

One year for a certificate and two years for an Associate of Applied Science degree.

What kind of salary can graduates expect?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for Automotive Body Repair Technology is $40,370. Local salaries will vary.

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Occupation Breakdown

Automotive Body and Glass Repairers

Median wages (2016) $19.41 hourly $40,370 annual
Employment (2016) 180,000
Projected growth (2016-2026) 8% (As fast as average)
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 15,200

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Median wages (2016) $18.50 hourly $38,470 annual
Employment (2016) 749,900
Projected growth (2016-2026) 6% (As fast as average)
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 47,600

Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics

Median wages (2016) $21.72 hourly $45,170 annual
Employment (2016) 278,800
Projected growth (2016-2026) 10% (Faster than average)
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 26,500

Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians

Median wages (2016) $22.93 hourly $47,690 annual
Employment (2016) 192,100
Projected growth (2016-2026) 8% (As fast as average)
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 14,700

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017 Occupational Outlook Handbook