Damage from automobile collisions should be repaired and restored by an auto body repairer, who has been adequately trained to straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace parts.

As the number of vehicles continues to increase in the nation, the demand for skilled, qualified auto body repairers will increase. Additionally, the new, lighter weight automobile designs makes vehicles more prone to collision damage. 

Earnings depend on the size, type, and location of the employer and on the individual skill of the worker. Auto body helpers and trainees generally receive a straight hourly wage. Experienced Auto Body Repairers may be paid an hourly wage, commissions on the work they do, or a combination of both.

Sandhills Community College Auto Body Repair graduates have found employment as automobile painters, body repair technicians, auto glass installers, car detailers, auto refinishers, and collision estimators.

Training
Employment in the auto body repair field almost always requires specialized training.  The auto body curriculum at Sandhills Community College provides the fundamentals of vehicle repair and trains students in the use of specialized equipment and materials of the trade.

Construction of the automobile body is studied, as well as the techniques of repair work, rebuilding and refinishing. Intensive career preparation includes hands-on experience, in addition to classroom instruction.

One of the more popular areas of study in Auto Body Repair is special effects and graphic painting. Classes that teach flames, stripes, scallops, graphics, marbleizing and other special effects are very popular.

Please follow these links for our course requirements by semester:

• Auto Body Repair Diploma
• Paint & Refinishing Certificate
• Non-Structural Repair Certificate
• Structural Repair Certificate