Programs: Collision Repair

Collision Repair

Many Americans absolutely love their cars. Because they do, auto body repairers are always in demand. When that unimaginable "oops" happens or rust begins to show, car owners look to find the best in their field.

Kankakee Area Career Center's Collision Repair program is designed to allow interested students an opportunity to become just the person people look to in order to bring their car back to the pristine condition of it's youth.

Collision Repair Specialists use various methods to restore damaged cars. They may remove ruined sections and replace them with new parts, they may repair or restore sections which are less damaged, and sometimes, are able to repair or remove large dents, prying bar or special hand tools for smaller dents.

In small shops, repairers may do the painting and glass replacement as well as the bodywork.They often will also complete the inspections and write estimates of repair costs for customers and insurance companies.

KACC's Collision Repair program provides learning experiences designed to allow students to gain the knowledge and skills for repairing automotive bodies. Learning activities while in this course are balanced to allow students to become knowledgeable about the fundamental aspects of auto body repair methods and techniques, and also to develop the practical skills in the basic operations required to prepare the automobile for final paint application.

Instruction emphasizes safety principles and practices, handling hazardous materials; auto body nomenclature, function of individual components, use of auto body fillers, use of plastic/glass fillers and special body repair tools, refinishing problems and paint preparation procedures.

Practical activities will relate to experiences in removing and installing body panels, trim and glass, straightening by using hammers and dollies, smoothing by filing, grinding and using fillers, and using a MIG welder. Students learn how to prime the area to be painted and prepare the surface for final paint application. These skills and experiences will be related to metal, fiberglass or urethane components.

Knowledge and Skills Developed in the Following Areas

Estimate Damage and Repair	Remove Damaged Parts
Straighten Metal	Smooth Metal by filling, grinding and sanding
Painting	Adhere to safety procedures

Career Opportunities

Body Shop Owner/Manager	Collision Repair Technicians
Customizers	Dealership Parts Sales
Estimators	Glass Installers
Independent Parts Sales	Insurance Work
Truck Body Builders	Used Car Rennovators

Personal Qualities

Preference for doing physical work	Ability to use hand and power tools
Interest in working with cars and trucks	Ability to lift heavy parts and tools as needed
Ability to work in cramped positions	Ability to read blue prints
Broad knowledge of automobile construction	Broad knowledge of automobile repair