A refresh of Auto Collision Repair Technology is scheduled at Albany Technical College. Albany Tech will feature special guests discussing the importance of the Auto Collision Repair program here in Southwest Georgia on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 10 a.m., Artisan Hall, Room 128.

Individuals from local companies attending include:

Chris Guinn, MCLB

Qualin Jones, student

Phillip Shemwell, 5 Star Nissan

Kevin Davis, Anytime Automotive, owner

Almaria Shelton, MCLB

Alonzo Patrick, B and B Kustom Paint

Cortrez Jackson, Le’nique Customs & automotive graduate, owner

Adrial Battle, C and D Automotive Paint Supply

Jerry Turner, Phoenix Refinishing

Automotive Collision Repair is a combination of classes that teach the fundamentals of removing parts, repairing parts, refinishing as well as finishing and detailing of the paint job. A student’s opportunities include a diploma in Auto Collision Repair with specializations in Refinishing and Major Collision Repair. There are 4 certificates offered; Automotive Collision Assistant I, Automotive Collision Repair Assistant II, Automotive Collision Refinishing I and Automotive Collision Refinishing II.

Elliott Bonds, Instructor of Auto Collision Repair Technology said, “Automotive collision repair is not just cosmetic, rather there is a basic understanding of electrical repair that may be associated with restoring a vehicle to original working order. The elements of mechanical, electrical and bodywork as well as refinishing are all part of the process.”

Automotive body and related repairers, often called collision repair technicians, straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that cannot be fixed. They repair all types of vehicles, including large trucks, buses, or tractor-trailers; however, most work on cars and small trucks. They can work alone, with only general direction from supervisors, or as specialists on a repair team. In some shops, helpers or apprentices assist experienced repairers.

The Auto Collision Repair Technology program introduces students to automotive plastic and sheet molded compound repair, refinishing, estimating repairs, color analysis and matching, suspension systems, structural analysis and damage repair. Students graduate with an understanding of how to assess and repair damages by knowing the proper techniques and tools needed to repair a damaged vehicle. Auto Collision Repair Technology combines training in Major Collision Repair and Refinishing.

Many students are employed immediately upon graduating from Albany Tech as well as taking advantage of established internships. Since Automotive Collision Repair covers a wide variety of technical skills, Albany Tech graduates are easily placed in the industry. Graduates are prepared to work in automotive collision and refinishing repair facilities, heavy equipment repair facilities such as Trans Power, Yancey, agricultural facilities and aeronautics facilities such as Thrush. Albany Technical College has an ongoing relationship with the Marine Corps Logistics Base allowing graduate placement in areas such as sandblasting, fiberglass, and paint and body shops.

Options to advance after getting a degree at Albany Tech in Automotive Collision Repair do exist. Students are able to take the introductory knowledge gained from the program and attend more advanced level institutions such as Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Wyo Tech and training facilities managed by paint manufacturers and automotive manufacturers who have brand-specific training.