Auto Body Refinishing Repair Specialist - Del Mar College

Auto Body Refinishing Repair Specialist from Del Mar College is a Campus Certificate Automotive degree that prepares you for a Engineering career. The Auto Body Applied Technology curriculum offers training in theory, diagnosis, and repair of the automobile. The student is provided the practical training necessary to function as an entry-level auto body repair person. What does an auto body technician do? Auto body technicians' work has variety and challenge-each damaged vehicle presents a different problem. Technicians must develop appropriate methods for each job using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques. Technicians usually work alone, or in some shops, they may be assisted by helpers or apprentices. Employers prefer to hire persons who have completed formal training programs in auto body repair Formal training is highly desirable because advances in technology in recent years have greatly changed the structure, the components, and even the materials used in vehicles. As a result, many new skills are required. Formal training in auto body repair can enhance the chances for employment and a speedy promotion to a journeyman position. Auto body technicians straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumbled parts that are beyond repair. Usually, they can repair all types of vehicles which include cars, small and large trucks, buses, or tractor trailers. Auto body technicians use special machines to restore damaged metal frames and body sections to their original shape and location. The technicians remove badly damaged sections of body panels with pneumatic metal-cutting gun or acetylene torch and weld in new sections to replace them. Technicians also repair and replace the plastic body parts used on newer model vehicles. They remove the damaged panels and determine the type of plastic from which they are made. Technicians replace plastic parts which are badly damaged or more difficult to repair . In large shops, technicians may specialize in one type of repair. Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which is voluntary, is recognized as a standard of achievement for auto body technicians. To be certified, a technician must pass a written examination and must have at least two years of experience in the trade (two years of school count as one year of experience). To retain certification, technicians must retake tests at least every five years. Continuing education throughout a career in auto body repair is becoming increasingly important. Automotive parts, body materials, and electronics continue to change and become more complex as technology advances. Gaining new skills, reading technical manuals, and attending seminars and classes is important for keeping up with these technological advances. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS Specialized courses for the Auto Body Applied Technology Certificates include the basics of the automobile, basic electricity, air conditioning, suspension rebuilding, total wheel alignment, metal and paint principles, paint blending, minor metal and spot repair, major and advanced paint techniques, major collision and frame repair , estimating, welding, business practice, communications, and computations. View more details on Del Mar College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Automotive courses.