The 2-year Auto Collision course at Pike-Lincoln is designed to prepare you for an entry-level position in the Auto Body field. The fundamentals and related information are covered in the classroom, and the remainder of the class time is spent working and perfecting skills in the shop. Much time is spent on surface preparation and painting. Paint mixing and tinting is also included. Classroom equipment includes spot and MIG welding, hand tools, and frame-straightening equipment and smaller tools and equipment. A spray booth with exhaust is utilized for most painting. An Auto Body Technician repairs and refinishes vehicle bodies, removes dents, and replaces crumpled parts, tightens brackets and loose bolts, and makes other minor repairs. They use a variety of equipment and tools, including drills, riveters, welders, hammers, files, screwdrivers, sanders, measuring tools and power machinery. Some install customized equipment.

Personal Skills

Personal skills include making judgments and decisions and meeting strict standards.

Salary Range

The average salary for entry-level workers in Missouri is $26,380 ($12.68/hr) to an average of $52,120 ($25.06/hr) for experienced workers. The hourly average wage in Missouri is $20.93.

Physical Skills

Physical activities include lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling, crouching, reaching, using hands and fingers, seeing clearly up close, and judging depth and distance.

Related Post-Secondary Programs

Auto Body Repairer program, Military

Related Occupations

Automotive Body Repairer, Shop Estimator, Counter Parts, Truck-Body Builder, Automobile-Body Customizer, Frame Repairer, Service Mechanics, Fiberglass Auto-Body Repairer, Insurance Adjuster

Missouri Job Outlook

Employment is projected to change from 4,570 in 2016 to 4,470 in 2006. It is estimated that 108 average annual job openings will be created by persons leaving the labor force. Due to the large number of persons acquiring skills in the area, competition for jobs may be keen.

Suggested Related H.S. Coursework and Activities

Art classes, Business Information applications, Applied Math, Algebra, written and verbal communication classes, Technical Education, Transportation Power & Energy, Basic Automotive Technology, Basic Electronics, Occupational Computer Science, Welding, Work-Based Training (Co-op/Internship), Automotive Body Repair, SkillsUSA

Continuing Education

1-2 years college or trade/technical school. Most employers prefer to hire persons who have completed formal training programs in automotive collision repair. Many automotive collision repairers enter the occupation by transferring from related helper positions. Generally, skill in all aspects of collision repair requires 3-4 years of on-the-job training.

Placement

The percent of our students who, 6 months after graduation, were continuing their education, employed in the workforce or in the military.

• 2003 – 94%

• 2004 – 94%

• 2005 – 100%

• 2006 – 100%

• 2007 – 92%

• 2008 – 83%