The AUTO BODY Program is designed to give the student instruction in the development of eye-hand coordination skills, and the operation of power and air operated equipment associated with tools and procedures used in the repair of damaged automotive bodies.
Instruction and "hands on" practice is available to the student in the areas of: oxyacetylene welding and cutting; plasma cutting; Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG); Sheet metal straightening and repair including body plastic, fiberglass, and composite plastic body repairs; automotive panel replacement, fixed and removable; Frame and uni body diagnosis, measuring and repair; Computerized four wheel alignment adjustment and repair; Computerized static and dynamic wheel balancing; Automotive paint systems; overall paint, spot, and blending procedures; Butyl, urethane, and gasket sealed glass, fixed and movable replacement procedures, and Collision damage repair estimating using computerized estimating system.
After completing the training process, the student will participate in live work applications of learned skills. The program is designed to provide entry-level skills for individuals seeking employment in the Auto Body Repair field. The program is also designed to prepare students for further training and education in careers such as Collision Repair Technician, Body Damage Estimator, Insurance Claims Adjuster, and other related areas.
Due to the increasing number of vehicles on our nation's highways, the body repair field will offer steady work and increasing employment opportunities into the foreseeable future. The automobile is changing more rapidly today than ever before. The advent off the computer, along with environmental and safety concerns prompting new and more stringent government regulations has energized a technological boom in the automobile manufacturing business, as well as in the repair industry. Headlight aim, wheel balance and alignment, frame, paint, and estimating are all areas of the repair field that have been invaded by the microprocessor.
Today the technician must not only have a firm grasp on automotive basics, but also the ability and foresight to stay abreast of a quickly evolving technology. At Jeff Tech, the Collision Repair Program is primarily concerned with preparing a student to enter the field of Auto Body Repair. This objective however, is contingent on other skills and attitudes the student must have to be successful. As an example, the best and most knowledgeable technician is only valuable to an employer when he or she shows up for work. For this reason, employability skills become at least as important as job skills and will be impressed on the student in this program.
We will strive to help the student to acquire the basic automotive skills and knowledge, as well as reading, writing, language, math, and study skills needed to enter the Collision Repair Field, and to polish attitudes and courtesies needed to maintain and advance in the field. We believe that although computerization is the trend in the automotive industry, basics are the key to mastering and understanding repairs. Students will be exposed to and use computers in repair processes in the shop, but understanding the repair concept without the computer will also be stressed.
We believe that the students need to learn and practice the basics of the repair industry and with a solid foundation in basic knowledge, taxonomy of learned skills will allow for a qualified and competent tradesman. We believe that an individualized instructional program is the best way to achieve these goals. In this way, students with different ability levels can progress at their own pace, while working in a cooperative atmosphere with students at a variety of instruction levels. We believe that sincere effort and concern for each student on the part of the instructor and administration, will inspire interest, involvement and progress in the shop.
Students will learn safe, ethical work habits, and take pride in their accomplishments. Student involvement with Skills USA will promote leadership qualities and community involvement. We believe the student's attitude adjustment in a tough transitional period from school to work will make the difference in his or her outlook on life and promote success. This Program is built upon the needs of the community based in the ongoing task analysis by the Auto Body Occupational Advisory Committee. Safety is an integral part of all instruction. Leadership and citizenship skills are developed through participation and membership in Skills USA.
