Automotive Collision Repair
Instructor: Mr. Ronald Moore
Visit the Teacher WebsiteBuild Skills That Restore Vehicles
Automotive Collision Repair combines technical skill, creativity, precision, and problem-solving. Collision repair professionals restore vehicles after accidents by using modern equipment, proven repair methods, and careful attention to detail. The work requires steady hands, sound judgment, and pride in producing a finished vehicle that looks and performs as it should.
Enoree’s two-year Automotive Collision Repair program is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster. Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on lab experiences designed to prepare them for advanced training and entry-level opportunities in the collision repair industry.
What Students Learn
- Unibody and full-frame structural repair
- Welding, metalworking, estimating, and refinishing
- Automotive electrical systems, air conditioning, and safety restraints
- Panel replacement, body alignment, painting, and detailing
- Advanced estimating and shop management procedures
- Custom refinishing techniques and professional repair processes
Certification Opportunities
- Tier 1: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- Tier 2: I-CAR ProLevel 1 certifications
- Tier 3: Advanced I-CAR certifications
Program Credits
Students earn two high school credits each semester and may earn up to eight credits during the two-year program. These credits count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement.
Hands-On Learning
Most instructional time is spent in supervised lab experiences where students inspect damage, plan repairs, use professional tools and equipment, complete structural and cosmetic repairs, and evaluate the quality of their finished work.
Visit the Program
Prospective students and their families may have opportunities to meet Mr. Moore and tour the Automotive Collision Repair lab during the recruitment season. Contact Enoree Career Center for current tour dates and availability.
Year One: Building the Foundation
Automotive Collision Repair 1 and 2 | Morning Session at Enoree
Year one introduces students to the foundational skills of the collision repair trade through classroom instruction and extensive supervised lab work. The program is open to rising 10th- and 11th-grade students who are prepared to make a two-year commitment.
Students begin by learning shop safety and the proper use of tools, equipment, materials, and personal protective equipment. Hands-on instruction includes metal straightening, MIG welding, plastic repair, detailing, and the repair, replacement, adjustment, and installation of vehicle trim and accessories.
Students may also gain experience researching and purchasing used vehicles for repair projects. These projects provide authentic opportunities to evaluate damage, plan repairs, manage materials, and complete work that reflects industry expectations.
As students progress through Automotive Collision Repair 2, instruction expands to include advanced metalworking and fabrication, panel replacement, body alignment, refinishing, painting, and detailing. Students use industry-level tools and materials while learning how to measure, pull, and straighten collision-damaged vehicles.
Approximately 20% of instruction focuses on classroom theory and technical knowledge, while most instructional time is dedicated to supervised lab work. Students apply the information they learn while completing increasingly complex repair tasks.
Students also develop professional habits such as time management, accurate estimating, teamwork, organization, responsible equipment use, and close attention to finish quality. These skills prepare students for advanced coursework and possible work-based learning during year two.
Year Two: Advancing the Skills
Automotive Collision Repair 3 and 4 | Afternoon Session at Enoree
Year two challenges students to apply and expand the skills developed during their first year while working toward advanced certifications and industry-level expectations.
Instruction moves beyond foundational techniques into advanced estimating, shop management procedures, custom refinishing, welding, metalworking, structural analysis, and modern collision repair technology.
Students focus on producing high-quality finishes, following established repair processes, and increasing their efficiency and independence. They also develop the leadership, communication, and teamwork skills expected in a professional collision repair facility.
Students in Automotive Collision Repair 3 and 4 complete increasingly complex projects that reflect real-world industry demands. Instruction includes advanced panel replacement, frame alignment, precision measuring systems, structural repair, painting, and custom refinishing.
Students are expected to demonstrate technical skill, sound decision-making, and close attention to detail while managing repair tasks according to established safety procedures and industry standards.
Work-based learning may allow eligible students to apply classroom and lab instruction with local dealerships and repair facilities. These experiences provide on-the-job training, expose students to professional workplace expectations, and help them build relationships with employers in the collision repair field.
Students also prepare for advanced I-CAR certifications and future opportunities in technical college, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment.
Career Opportunities
Automotive Collision Repair can lead to careers involving vehicle restoration, refinishing, structural repair, damage assessment, estimating, customer service, insurance, and shop operations. Some positions require additional education, experience, certification, or employer training.
Paint Technician
Paint technicians prepare and refinish vehicle surfaces, complete paint repairs, match colors, and may provide custom paint services. Their work requires careful preparation, accuracy, knowledge of refinishing materials, and close attention to finish quality.
Auto Body Technician
Auto body technicians inspect vehicle damage, determine the repairs that are needed, restore damaged panels and structures, replace parts, and help return vehicles to safe and appropriate operating condition.
Collision Repair Estimator
Collision repair estimators inspect damaged vehicles, identify needed repairs, calculate labor and material costs, prepare written estimates, and communicate with customers, technicians, insurance representatives, and parts suppliers.
Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters investigate claims, inspect vehicle damage, review repair estimates, document findings, communicate with customers and repair facilities, and help determine the amount an insurer may pay under the terms of a policy.
Skills for Success
Successful collision repair students and professionals combine technical ability with dependable workplace habits, safety awareness, customer service, and close attention to detail.
- Safety awareness: Follow shop procedures, use equipment correctly, and wear required personal protective equipment.
- Critical thinking: Evaluate vehicle damage, identify repair needs, and determine the appropriate repair process.
- Attention to detail: Complete repairs and refinishing work carefully so the finished vehicle meets quality expectations.
- Customer service: Communicate calmly and professionally with customers who may be dealing with a stressful situation.
- Dexterity: Use hands and arms effectively when working with tools, equipment, small parts, vehicle panels, and confined spaces.
- Technical skill: Learn to use equipment to inspect, measure, repair, weld, align, prepare, paint, and refinish vehicles.
Work Environment
Collision repair shops may be noisy, dusty, and exposed to strong odors or fumes. Students must be willing to follow all safety requirements and wear appropriate protective equipment, which may include eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, protective clothing, and respirators.
Certification Opportunities
Select an organization below to learn more about collision repair training and workplace-safety credentials.
Local Work-Based Learning Partners
Local dealerships and collision repair employers help students connect classroom and lab instruction with professional repair processes, customer service, workplace safety, and industry expectations.
Graduation and college admission note: Credits earned through this program count as electives toward South Carolina high school graduation requirements. One credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language graduation requirement. Most four-year colleges do not accept career center courses as substitutes for foreign language courses required for college admission. Students should review graduation, certification, and college admission requirements with their school counselor and Mr. Moore.