Automotive Collision Repair
Mr. Ronald Moore
If you enjoy working with your hands, have a mechanical aptitude, take pride in your work, and are passionate about cars, consider a career in collision repair. Becoming a collision repair specialist requires a high-skill level, and technicians are rewarded accordingly for their work. Students will learn unibody/full-frame structural repair, welding, estimating, automotive electricity, air conditioning, restraints, and refinishing. Advanced estimating, shop management procedures, advanced metalworking, and custom refinishing are also explored. Our two-year program provides students with training for entry-level positions in the automotive collision repair industry. Area dealerships offer opportunities for shadowing, internship, and cooperative education. Students will also test for the ability to earn valuable I-CAR Certifications.
Automotive Collision Repair is part of the South Carolina Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster. Students enrolled in this program earn two high school credits each semester and can earn a combined total of eight credits upon completing the two-year program. Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation.
The information below presets potential career opportunities, outlines our program's progression, highlights career certification opportunities, and showcases the experiences available to Enoree students. If you are interested in meeting Mr. Moore and taking a tour of our Automotive Collision Repair lab, we invite you to request a program tour. After-school program tours are available to prospective students and their parents in December, January, and February. We would welcome a chance to give you a tour of our programs.
Year One Courses
Classes are held in the morning and are open to 10th and 11th-grade students
Automotive Collision Repair 1
This introductory course includes training in metal straightening, MIG welding, plastic repair, and detailing. Basic repair techniques and work safety are emphasized as students learn to repair, replace, adjust, and install trim and accessories. Students also learn to research and purchase used vehicles for quality repair. Formal classroom instruction comprises approximately twenty percent of course time.
Automotive Collision Repair 2
This course offers advanced study of the automotive repair service through work in the lab on metalworking, panel replacement, basic body alignment skills, refinishing, painting, and detailing. The measuring, pulling, and straightening of collision cars are studied.
Year Two Courses
PM classes open to 11th and 12th-grade students who earned Automotive Collision Repair 1 & 2
Automotive Collision Repair 3
The study of automotive repair is covered in this course through advanced projects. Skills to be enhanced are problem-solving, estimating repair cost, glass installation, and body and frame alignment. Students learn to mix paint to match manufacturer specifications and apply paint in the downdraft paint booth.
Automotive Collision Repair 4
This course serves as the capstone for the Automotive Collision Repair program. Students are expected to be able to apply each of the skills learned over the last three semesters across a variety of scenarios and situations. Students who excel in their program may participate in work-based learning. The WBL experience combines classroom-based education with on-the-job training experiences to help students prepare for and explore career objectives. A work-based experience must be planned and supervised by the school and employers so that it contributes to a student’s education and employability. Students must have access to reliable transportation.
Career Opportunities
Paint Technician
Paint Technicians specialize in painting new vehicles, conducting paint repairs, or providing custom paint services. Their tasks often include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, developing strategies and concepts, and adhering to schedules and formats.
Salary - $37,602 per year on average, or $18.08 per hour
Auto Body Technician
An auto body technician is responsible for assessing vehicle damage and conducting repairs after evaluating the cost estimates. Technicians' duties include determining the extent of damage, repairing damage, and meeting customers' expectations through appropriate repair and modifications.
Salary- $39,232 per year on average, or $18.86 per hour
Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster investigates an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries and, if so, how much they should pay. They assess the damage to the vehicle and its occupants and explore what it would cost to cover the cost of the damage. Adjusters will also work with customers to get your vehicle inspected or set up repairs on your behalf.
Salary - $57,315 per year on average, or $27.56 per hour
Job Skills & Requirements
Each skill and trade requires a specific set of skills needed to master the content and job tasks. Below are a few critical skills and requirements needed to succeed in the program and throughout a career in this field.
- Environment: Be willing to work in an environment that can be noisy, dusty, and have strong fumes and wear protective gear such as a respirator mask
- Critical Thinking: Auto body techs must be able to look at a damaged vehicle and assess what it will take to repair it, and calculate the cost.
- Customer Service: Working with customers in a stressful situation, like after an accident, needs to be handled calmly and in a friendly way.
- Attention to Detail: A good eye for detail is necessary when trying to get a car back to looking like new.
- Dexterity: Auto body techs need a free range of motion in their hands and arms to work with small parts and small spaces.
- Technical Skills: Auto body techs use a wide range of tools and equipment to assess and repair cars.
Available Certification Opportunities
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Local Work-Based Learning Partners
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NOTE: Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation. Most 4-year colleges will NOT accept career center courses as a substitute for the foreign language college admissions requirement.