This 348-hour (AM) or 522-hour (PM) NATEF-approved, the one-year course is designed to inform and instruct students in the basics of auto body repair. Instruction includes theory and techniques related to the process of welding, metal straightening and panel/body alignment on a variety of auto body industry materials including metal, glass and plastic. Students will learn effective customer relations and sales in multiple settings. Estimating damage and repair costs and procedures are key components in this course. The student will be prepared for entry-level employment in the auto body repair industry as an auto body repair technician. The class focuses on academic, technical skills, and employability practices. Students will develop personal and professional skills in the classroom that will transfer to the workplace:

• Collision repair
• Shop safety and efficiency
• Vehicle construction technology
• Service information, specifications, and measurement
• Hand tool technology
• Power tool and equipment technology
• Body shop materials and fastener technology
• Welding equipment technology

• 30 high school credits earned per year
• Develop skills leading to a highly paid, high demand job

Earned Outside of (Following) the Class

• I-CAR – Education, Knowledge and Solutions for Collision Repair

Certifications Earned Within the Class

• Class completion certificate
• 3Mcollision.com
• Online Safety Training S/P2
• Mitchell Estimating System

Job Opportunities Upon Completion

• Auto Body Repair Apprentice
• Shop Estimator
• Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
• Parts Technician
• Manager
• Production Manager

About the Instructor

Robert McTaggart has more than 41 years of industry experience in the Auto Body field. He has worked as a Technician, Assistant Manager, and an Estimator. He has ASE Certifications in structural and non-structural repair.

Why do you teach Career and Technical Education? 

I really enjoy teaching CTE because I like seeing people learn and seeing people understanding  and growing. The self-worth that students get, that’s the best part.