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.  Experienced body repairers rarely face job loss when there is a general slowdown in the economy, and the industry is not very sensitive to changing economic conditions, since a great dependency exists on properly functioning cars.

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.

Automobile Painter                 Body Repair Technician
Auto Glass Installer                Car Detailer
Auto Refinisher                      Collision Estimator

TRAINING – Employment in the auto body repair field almost always requires 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.

COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE – The opportunity to complete an internship can provide valuable hands-on experience, as well as a chance to make essential contacts in the field.  The Department of Transportation Systems Technology works with both students and employers to promote a mutually beneficial relationship where students gain practice, and employers are assisted with filling vacancies with qualified and skilled workers.

“I have seen many Sandhills Community College students who have come to do a co-op with us and ended up being employed with us for a long time.  I know when I get a Automotive Systems Technologies student from Sandhills, he will come to us as a marketable and viable employee that I can put to work immediately.”
- Mark PoseyService Director Southern Pines Chevrolet / Buick / Pontiac / GMC

Auto Body Repair Diploma

Paint & Refinishing Certificate

Non-Structural Repair

Structural Repair