Automobile
Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
 |
| |
| Tools/Special Requirements |
| Students in the Auto Collision Repair
& Refinishing program are required to
buy their own tools to use in the laboratory
setting. Tool
Lists and a list
of vendors that have
previously worked with our students are
available online or from the New Student
Services Office. |
|
|
| Career Opportunities |
| major dealerships |
| independent and specialty bodyshops |
| detailing shops |
| vehicle restoration |
| parts specialty shops |
| |
Degree
& Certificate Options
A student may exit this
program after completing two semesters and
receive an Automobile Collision Repair Technician
or Automobile Refinishing Technician Certificate of Applied Science.
For those wanting to attend four semesters,
the college offers both an Associate of
Applied Science degree and a Certificate
of Applied Science in Automobile Collision Repair and Refinishing.
Students planning to earn a certificate
will replace required math credits with
MATH 085 and English credits with ENGL 102. |
| |
| What
you will learn |
- Collision and cosmetic repairs: minor sheet metal repair, welding of mild
and high-strength steels, panel replacement,
and measuring with laser and mechanical
measuring systems
- Removal and Replacement of sheet
metal panels, glass, plastic body
parts
- Welding
- Damage analysis and estimation
- Electrical wiring for vehicles
- Refinish (prep and painting): panel and overall refinishing
using the latest techniques and equipment
- Safety
- Tools and equipment used
- Undercoats, types and applications,
automotive plastic identification
- Learn various causes and cures of
surface defects
- Paint blending and color matching
- Develop and maintain occupational
relationships
- Effectively communicate with customers and peers
- Proficient in mathematical skills necessary for technical fields
|
|
|
|
 CAREER
CLOSEUP |
| Job Outlook
and Pay Info |
|
| Median Wage (MT)* |
$30,700 |
| Median Wage (US)* |
$34,800 |
|
| Average entry-level wage, COT grads (2003-2005) |
$22,207 |
|
| Expected growth (MT)* |
27% |
| Expected growth (US)* |
10% |
| (projections through 2012) |
|
|
| *Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Office of Employment Projections;
MT Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and
Analysis Bureau |
 COT Graduate Placement Data |
|
| Skills,
Traits, Preparatory Classes that would be helpful |
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Math and spatial skills
- Good physical condition
- Reading and communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Troubleshooting skills
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