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Auto Body Technology
Associate in Applied Science degree
Certificates
The field of Auto Body Technology is experiencing a period of growth and
demand. As a result, Auto Body Technology students may find work in the
fifth or sixth quarter and then enroll in a Co-op experience where they
receive college credit, work experience, and a salary.
Auto Body Technicians are specialists in repairing or replacing damaged
portions of automobile bodies and frames. They also restore, paint, and/or
refinish complete automobiles.
Green River Community College offers a
two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program that is certified by
the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). This
program trains students for immediate employment in the industry and could
help them proceed into management and/or ownership of an auto body repair
facility.
Graduates of the program will achieve
competencies set forth by NATEF, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto
Collision Repair (I-CAR), the National Institute for Automotive Excellence
(ASE), and related education in the fields of leadership, human relations,
and communication.
Students may also sign up for Auto Body
classes and their prerequisites without pursuing the AAS degree. This
enables interested students to gain specific skills.
As an auto body technician, you can work
for:
auto body shops
car dealers
yourself (shop owner)
aircraft manufacturers
boat repair shops
bus and coach companies
glass shops
government agencies
insurance agencies
paint shops
truck repair shops
upholstery shops
van and recreational vehicle repair shops
In addition to working as an auto body
technician, you may find work as a/an:
auto body foreman
auto body restoration specialist
auto body rebuilder
auto detail person
auto glass installer
claims adjuster or examiner
color tint technician
custom painter
mobile repair person
sander
trim and/or auto upholsterer
When can new students enroll?
Entry into the program is possible on a space-available basis at the
beginning of every quarter with instructor’s permission. It is also
possible to enroll and start classes after the quarter starts due to our
variable credit format. See instructor
Prerequisites
All program applicants should have a desire to work on cars. New students
are required to have an interview with the auto body instructor. You
should be able to express yourself clearly and understand written
instructions in textbooks and tests.
How long does the program take?
It depends on you. If you attend Green River full time, the Associate in
Applied Science degree can be completed in six quarters. Night classes are
also available. Students often find work in their fifth or sixth quarter,
and are placed in a Co-op experience where they can receive college
credit, work experience, and earn a salary.
Special fees
You should expect expenses of about $300 per quarter for coveralls, tools,
and safety equipment.
Personal requirements for success
To be successful in the auto body program, you need to have the ability to
work efficiently—both independently and as a member of a team. You also
need above-average mechanical ability and a positive, "can-do" attitude.
Special program notes
In Green River’s Auto Body Technology program, you can:
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Learn through hands-on experience.
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Get an experience similar to working at a real
autobody/repair operation.
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Earn credit for previous experience by
demonstrating your skills.
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Move through the program at your own pace,
thanks to our competency-based curriculum.
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Develop skills necessary to enter the field
with a uniform level of competency in collision repair.
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Learn skills and business techniques necessary
to become self-employed, become a shop foreman, or work in a lead position
in a shop.
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Pursue the AAS
degree or earn "certificates of completion" in each of the five Auto Body
units (Abody 104–108). The Auto Body 100 class, Conduct/Safety Equipment,
is a
prerequisite to each of the other units.
Does the program transfer to four-year schools?
The Associate in Applied Science degree may be transferred to four-year
institutions. However, all transferability is at the discretion of the
receiving institution. Careful planning with an advisor and coordination
of courses with the college or university of your choice is advised.
Employment outlook
Placement of graduates is excellent, with many students finding jobs in
their fifth or sixth quarters. The Auto Body program at GRCC maintains a
great relationship with numerous local employers and is successful in
placing most of the graduates. The high demand for workers in this field
is nationwide. Journeyman collision repair technicians currently enjoy
higher than average incomes that include competitive benefit packages.
For specific information about Auto Body Technology, contact:
Mark Millbauer
Extension 4285
mmillbau@greenriver.edu
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Mark Millbauer
Extension 4285
mmillbau@greenriver.edu |
