Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology

Program Description

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing technicians repair damaged vehicle bodies and body parts from complete body off-frame repair to the smallest door dent in the body and then refinish the color to make it look new again.

We examine and determine the type and extent of damage, then teach the best way to repair that damage. We teach how to replace and repair all welded, bolted and adhesive style panels, grilles bumpers and all plastic parts. We replace glass and remove exterior trim and moldings. We teach MIG and MAG welding, resistance spot welding and the safety and use of all welding equipment. Frames and unit-body vehicles are measured and straightened using the Chief Impulse frame Bench Rack System and Meridian Live Mapping measuring system. We teach dent repair and the proper use of body fillers as well as electrical diagnosis for power window locks and lighting.

Refinishing starts by feather-edging of paint and then priming with a good corrosion and rust inhibiting material; filling of micro low areas; blocking, masking, sealing and then top-coating with a quality, single-stage or using a two-stage base coat paint followed by a high gloss clear coat. The ultimate finish is a tri-coat, pearl type paint that is very popular in this day of high-tech products. We mix our own paint colors and teach the application of solvent based basecoat and the new Water based basecoat systems.

Career Opportunities

Average Salary $47,680 Idaho $51,680 National

100% Five Year Placement Rate

Auto body repair shops
Motor vehicle manufacturers
Motor vehicle dealers
Paint Companies - Sales and Service
Marine boat manufacturers and repairers
Insurance claims adjuster
Heavy truck and equipment repair
Glass Replacement Shops

Program Overview

Program accepts students in August
Typical classroom hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Program admits 24 students each year
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified
Program located in the Eames Complex, Building #96, 1999 Alvin Ricken Drive

Degree Options

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Associate of Applied Science (2 years)

Degree Map Associate of Applied Science Degree: ACRR

Program Costs

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Advanced Technical Certificate (2 years)

Degree Map Advanced Technical Certificate: ACRR

Program Costs

Automotive Collision Repair Intermediate Technical Certificate (1.5 years)

Degree Map Intermediate Technical Certificate: Automotive Collision Repair

Program Costs

Automotive Refinishing Intermediate Technical Certificate (1.5 years)

Degree Map Intermediate Technical Certificate: Automotive Refinishing

Program Costs

Each year students from the Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing programs organize southeast Idaho's largest car show Chrome In The Dome. This event provides funds for personal and professional skill building through the SKILLsUSA student organization.