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Auto Body Repair Technology
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Industry Description There is a high demand for skilled auto body repair technicians. Automotive manufacturers have made revolutionary changes in automobile designs. These changes have brought new concepts to the field of auto body repair, requiring proper training to restore damaged vehicles to their factory specifications in both body repair and painting. The technology of the automobile has changed faster in the past five years than it had in the previous two decades, ensuring that the future looks great for skilled people in the collision repair field. Auto manufacturers constantly refine and change their products in response to customers' demands and governmental regulations. This means all new designs, new products/materials, advanced manufacturing processes, hi-tech systems, and safety features are being incorporated into each new automobile. Skilled technicians will be required to repair modern vehicles. Department Overview Auto Body Repair keeps pace with the fast-moving auto body/collision repair industry and covers all aspects of body repair and refinishing with an emphasis on the most up-to-date methods. WWCC uses the I-CAR curriculum, which is designed to provide students with hands-on work based learning. The program is also nationally certified by NATEF/ASE in four areas of instruction. The Auto Body program is designed to provide students with hands-on, work based learning. To facilitate this, the college acquires late model, damaged vehicles, providing a platform on which student may learn and develop skills. The Auto Body curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members. Degrees Students may earn an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Auto Body Repair Technology, upon completion of a two-year program of study. An Auto Body Repair Certificate, is available upon completion of the first year of study in the program. Students who earn their AAAS in Auto Body Repair Technology may also earn a dual degree in Diesel Technology or Automotive Repair Technology. Please speak with your instructor about the required and specific classes needed. Career Opportunities Scholarships Frank Brotherton Memorial Scholarship in Automotive Technology Students interested in a career related to automotive technology are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to Walla Walla area students. The award is for $500. Dayl and Doris Graves Automotive Technology Scholarship Funds are provided by the Blue Mountain Area Foundation for a student from the Walla Walla area interested in automotive technology. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. The $1,000 award may be shared with more than one applicant. Entrance Requirements It is recommended that the student contact the lead instructor regarding appropriate program placement and paying a priority list fee to determine specific quarter start in the program. Students may enter the program fall, winter or spring quarter, however, due to course sequencing it is recommended to begin in the fall. A placement test and mechanical reasoning test offered by the Student Development Center must be completed prior to admittance to the program. Other Information For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.wtb.wa.gov/etp. |