Highlights of a New Program: Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology

students attach a front bumper on a red automobile

Putting the spotlight on a technical education program at UACCM, the fall 2020 semester features the return of collision repair & refinishing technology.  Previously deactivated in 2018, UACCM has brought it back due to increasing demand from the industry to boost its workforce.

The program will be housed in the Technology Building III on campus, where collision students had trained in the past. Since its deactivation, UACCM has maintained the machines and equipment and only needed a modest monetary investment to bring the program back.

Admission of students into the program is now ongoing.

Here’s what you need to know about collision repair & refinishing technology:

Certificate focuses on graduating students into the workforce

Students pursue a one-year technical certificate, which is designed to help students gain their robust training and get them into the workforce. Often, graduates gain employment in a variety of auto-related workplaces: body shops, car dealerships, insurance companies, and parts stores. Positions include professional estimators and refinishers, insurance adjustors, paint/supply representatives, and parts store managers. Or perhaps graduates wish to own their own shops, which this certificate can provide a professional background.

Hands-on experience is a must

The saying, “you learn by doing,” is paramount in this program. While students study the theory of their field in the classroom, they spend much of their time in laboratories and put their training to practice. Students train on equipment that they will encounter at their future job, so they’ll be ready to jump into their career. Throughout the program, students will have the ability to earn several industry-recognized certifications.



Classwork is comprehensive

  • Electrical and Mechanical Systems: This course covers the diagnosis and repair of electrical and mechanical systems including: general electrical systems, batteries, starters, lighting systems, gauges and warning devices, horns and wipers, charging systems, power seats, door locks, reading of wiring diagrams, and basic chassis and steering repairs. 
  • Auto Body Fundamentals: This course includes theory and application of fundamental auto body identification and repair methods. Emphasis is given to the proper use of hand tools, mig and oxyacetylene welding, and rigid and flexible plastic repair.
  • Color Theory: This course includes theory and application of fundamental auto body identification and repair methods. Emphasis is given to the proper use of hand tools, mig and oxyacetylene welding, and rigid and flexible plastic repair.
  • Materials and Processes: This course includes theory and application of basic auto body materials and processes. Emphasis is given to metal and fiberglass repair techniques.
  • Non-Structural Analysis and Repair: This course includes theory and application of the analysis of body construction. Emphasis is given to diagnosis and repair of minor collision related items. The class includes metal finishing, body filler application, and application of protective coating and sealer, as well as the straightening, alignment, removal, and replacement of body panels, interior trim, and exterior trim.
  • Refinishing Procedures and Applications: Emphasis is given to top coat applications, polishing and compounding, color adjustment, live and simulated work analysis, refinishing procedures, and problem-solving. Students will also learn the theory of spray guns and the equipment associated with painting.
  • Structural Analysis and Repair: This course includes the study of unibody and frame construction. The theory portion emphasizes proper measuring and straightening techniques, stress analysis, use of equipment, and replacement of structural components;  the lab includes the replacement of structural components and the use of specialized equipment and tools.

Program is open to students at the Career Center

Also a new addition to UACCM this fall, UACCM will open the Career Center on campus to high school juniors and seniors. The Career Center is a free initiative to eligible students, who can explore professional and technical fields, earn college credits, and gain certificates and/or degrees while still in high school. In short, this turns secondary education on its head.

Among the programs offered, collision repair & refinishing technology is an option for high school students who have memorandums of understanding with UACCM.

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