WHAT is Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing?

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing is a challenging program that trains you in the technology of fixing damaged parts and bodies of today's high-tech cars, trucks, buses and trailers. This field is becoming increasingly technical. In the past five years, the design, construction, finish, electronics, and safety systems of vehicles have all undergone rapid changes. As a result, there is a shortage of top-notch technicians. Bottom line, it means outstanding opportunities await you in the collision repair and refinishing industry. Try out an exciting career that allows you to see the results of your efforts, while taking pride in your work.

WHY should I take Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing?

Classes at the Saginaw Career Complex are different than those offered at your home high school. You learn by doing - not just reading, listening, and memorizing. And you learn out in the real world, on-the-job, with real people.

The Saginaw Career Complex Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This means that it meets the tough standards set by the automotive industry and has earned the industry's most respected credential.

For you, this means the best training available in your field and a guarantee that the skills you're learning are relevant to your job.

You will also earn a competency certificate in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing from the Saginaw Career Complex, which says you've learned actual job skills at high standards set by business and industry. Your parents will love it. So will colleges and employers.

WHAT will I learn in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing?

Advanced study in:
• Welding body components
• Unibody straightening
• Restoration of body components
• Refinishing with paint products far superior to those used just a 

  few years ago
• Metal finishing
• Use of lead and plastic fillers
• Sanding and grinding procedures
• Working with newer plastic components
• General mechanical skills and safe work practices
• Applying academic skills in math, communication, and technology

  to solve practical problems encountered in real-work experiences
• Working as a productive member of a team
• Professionalism, goal setting, work ethic, conflict resolution, and

  ability to cope with change

You will learn these skills in a clean, well-equipped, up-to-date automotive body lab. You will also learn and practice skills in local auto dealerships and auto repair facilities.

For more specific areas of study click here to see more about the curriculum

WHAT are my job prospects?

Couldn't be better! As long as people drive, there will always be cars that need repairing. The collision repair industry is getting larger each year. According to the Automotive Service Association, it is becoming a $30 billion-a-year industry. Accidents are expected to increase as more drivers hit the roads, plus people are keeping their cars longer, which increases the demand for repairing damaged vehicles.

Your earnings will depend on the size, type and location of your employer, plus your own skills.

WHERE can I go after completing the program?

Your training in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program gives you several exciting options:

• Entry-level employment -Students might begin their careers at a

  dealership or independent repair shop.
• Entrepreneurship - Or, students might open up their own

  business
• Continued Education -Students can continuer their education with the advantage of articulating college credits at the same time they are earning their high school diploma, and they don't have to pay for it! After successfully completing the program, students may articulate credits at Ferris State University. The articulation process will give students a head start on their post-secondary education, as well as save them a considerale sum of money. In addition, students are also ready to enter industry/employer-sponsored training programs.

WHO is the teacher?

A highly qualified instructor, Mr. Kurt Chrysler has spent 15 years in the industry. He is also a former student at the Career Complex.  He knows exactly what students need to learn to be successful in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing.

WHAT are the admission requirements?

Students admitted to the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program at the Saginaw Career Complex must:

• Have an interest in a career as an automotive collision repair and

  refinishing technician
• Be a high school junior or senio.
• Be on track for high school graduation
• Have good attendance habits
• Be willing to attend the Saginaw Career Complex or work-based

  learning facility for half the school day, plus spend additional time

  doing work-based learning (often paid).

WHAT does it cost?

Nothing! Eligible high school students may attend free of charge.

HOW do I enroll?

You can enroll by completing just a few easy steps. Click here to get started:

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