Saint Paul College Programs

Auto Body Repair

Overview

Auto body repair workers repair and replace automotive body and frame components. Students in this program will learn many skills including frame repair, welding and cutting, metal straightening, application of up-to-date materials, metal finishing, customized painting and alignment of body components. They will also learn to estimate damage and compute labor and material costs. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of auto body repair workers will continue to increase. (Program Brochure)

For additional information about recommended Course Sequence, Minimum Program Entry Requirements and Program Outcomes, please see the Program Guide Sheets.

Available programs, courses and course descriptions:
• Auto Body AAS Degree
• Auto Body Repair Diploma

What You'll Learn

• Repair and replace automotive and body components
• Frame repair, metal straightening, welding and cutting
• Application of up-to-date body materials
• Metal finishing and alignment of body components
• Estimate damage and compute labor and materials costs
• Paint preparation and color matching techniques
• Painting and customized painting
• Paint finish and detailing

Career Settings

• Independent body shops
• Dealership body shops
• Specialty shops
• Own your own shop
• Insurance Claim Adjuster
• Truck Body Shop

Potential Employers

• Bonfe's Auto Body Repair
• ABRA Auto Body
• State Farm Insurance
• Sears Imports - Minnetonka
• 3M

Additional Benefits

• Learn from experienced instructors who teach in a "hands on" environment.
• Advance on the job to estimator, adjuster, or shop manager.
• After graduation, enter an apprenticeship training program and work with an experienced journeyperson to increase your advancement opportunities.
• Your technical college experience can shorten the length of an apprenticeship.