Collision Repair
Many Americans absolutely love their cars. Because they do, collision repair technicians 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 damaged 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, using the latest technology.
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 Technology 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 collision 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 body fillers and special body repair tools, refinishing problems and paint preparation procedures.
During the first year of this program, learning experiences are designed to allow students to gain knowledge and skills in repairing automotive bodies and fenders. Planned learning activities in this course are balanced to allow students to become knowledgeable in the fundamental aspects of collision technology repair methods and techniques, and to develop practical skills in the basic operations required to prepare the automobile for final paint application. Instruction emphasizes safety principles and practices, hazardous materials, automotive nomenclature, function of individual component the use of parts, manuals, the identification of replacement parts, use of auto body fillers, plastic body fillers and special body repair tools, refinishing problems and paint preparation procedures. Practical activities relate to experience in writing and calculating damage estimates, removing and installing body panels, trim and glass, straightening by using hammers and dollies and smoothing by filling, grinding and using fillers. Students also learn to prime the area to be painted and prepare the surface for final paint application. These experiences and skills are related to metal, fiberglass or urethane components.
Dual Credit Opportunity: Students who complete Collision Repair Technology two-year program may have an opportunity to earn 4 hours of dual college credit with Parkland College: ACR 133 Uni-body Collision Repair.
Certifications/Professional Affiliations: ASE Student Certification: The ASE Student Certification Program is specially designed to evaluate and certify students who are near the end of their studies in the areas of Collision Repair.
Knowledge and Skills Developed in the Following Areas
| Estimate Damage and Repair | Remove Damaged Parts |
| Straighten Metal | Straighten 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 |
Helpful High School Courses
| Metalworking | Welding |
| Auto Mechanics | Basic Math |
| Industrial Tech | Intro to Business |
