Collision Engineering Program

What is the Collision Engineering Program at SCC?

The Collision Engineering Program offered at Sandhills Community College is an industry-driven training pathway designed to prepare students for successful careers in the collision repair industry.

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning and real-world experience, giving students the technical skills and professional confidence needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Through a unique apprenticeship-style model, students alternate between on-campus learning and paid work experience in local collision repair shops. This approach allows students to apply what they learn in real shop environments while earning income and college credit.

Schedule a Program Consultation

Why Choose the Sandhills Collision Engineering Program?

Sandhills Community College is one of only six colleges in the U.S.—and the only east coast college—to offer the Collision Engineering Program.

The program is designed to support students from enrollment through career placement. By combining education, hands-on experience, and industry support, the program helps reduce financial barriers while preparing students for long-term success in the collision repair industry.

Earn While You Learn: Students participate in paid apprenticeships with local collision repair shops while completing their coursework, allowing them to earn income while gaining real-world experience and an associates degree.
Tuition Reimbursement: Students receive tuition reimbursement for each successfully completed work rotation, helping reduce out-of-pocket education costs while rewarding progress through the apprenticeship model.
Complimentary Tools & Tool Kit: Students receive a professional tool kit as part of the program, supporting hands-on training during school and helping graduates transition directly into the workforce with essential equipment.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Coursework is developed in collaboration with industry partners to reflect current shop practices, repair standards, and evolving technologies.
Hands-On, Real-World Training: Students gain practical experience using modern equipment and techniques in both classroom and shop environments.
Direct Employer Connections: The program connects students with local employers for mentorship, apprenticeships, and employment before graduation.
Career Readiness & Personal and Professional Development (PPD): In addition to technical training, students participate in Personal and Professional Development (PPD) training focused on communication, professionalism, confidence, and workplace expectations—supporting a smoother transition from student to professional.
High-Demand Career Path: Collision repair offers strong job demand and opportunities for stable, skilled employment and advancement.

Students in the program receive hands-on training in key areas of collision repair, including:

Collision damage analysis and repair planning
Structural and non-structural repair techniques
Welding, plastics repair, and refinishing
Automotive estimating and repair processes
Use of modern tools, equipment, and technologies

This comprehensive training prepares graduates for entry-level technician roles and continued professional growth in the industry.

Industry-Driven Training with Real-World Experience...

The Sandhills Collision Engineering Program is built in collaboration with industry partners to ensure training aligns with current shop practices and employer expectations. As the demand for skilled collision repair technicians continues to grow, this program helps close the workforce gap by preparing students to enter the field with relevant, job-ready experience.

Students benefit from consistent exposure to real repair environments, early connections with employers, and a clearer pathway from education to employment.

...and Career-Focused Outcomes

The Sandhills Collision Engineering program prepares students for meaningful careers in a high-demand industry. Graduates leave the program with technical skills, workplace experience, and industry connections that support long-term success in collision repair.

Contacts

Prospective students must meet with a program representative before enrolling. Contact one of the individuals below to schedule your consultation.

Brian Garner
Coordinator, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
118 Sirotek Hall
(910) 695-3887
garnerd@sandhills.edu

Kevin Jones
Associate Professor, Collision Repair & Refinishing/Transportation Services
111 Sirotek Hall
910-695-3958
jonesl@sandhills.edu