Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
If you’re ready for the chance to learn a skilled trade in a field that is certain to be in demand for as long as people have the need for transportation, and where you can make above average income, then Collision Repair could be the right choice for you! At GTCC, we offer a curriculum aimed at getting you into the workforce quickly and effectively! We train you on “state-of-the-art” equipment, using the industry endorsed I-CAR curriculum. GTCC’s collision repair program is NATEF accredited and has won the Skills USA state championships for collision repair 13 times between 2002 and 2017.
The Collision Repair Program at GTCC offers three pathways to help you meet your goals.
- Certificate- Designed with a short time frame in mind, the certificate program is 16 weeks and is only offered in the fall. It covers the basics that will give you enough knowledge and skillset to enter the workforce at an entry level position.
- Diploma- Composed of three semesters, this pathway is designed to produce a technician that can immediately begin work as an apprentice in a shop where, depending on your skill level, you may remain under a senior technician for as little as 30-90 days.
- AAS Degree- The Associate Degree program is only if you are looking to push your skills even further with advanced collision classes, including mechanical repair, vehicle detailing, shop management, and additional classes designed to offer you the foundational and advanced knowledge required to work in and advance into leadership roles.
Credentialing Options
About Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.
It is recommended that you contact a faculty member in the Collision Repair program to set up an advising appointment and a visit to our facility.
Jeffrey Faircloth, Department Chair, Transportation
Jim Brown, Program Coordinator, Collision Repair
Josh Baker, Instructor, Collision Repair
Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.
Maybe. Did you place/test into DRE 098 (developmental English)? Do you have a high school diploma?
- Required text books.
- A minimum tool kit is required for all collision classes. Download the required tools list.
- A minimum tool kit is also required for the TRN-180 welding class.
- All the above is available through the campus bookstore.
If you complete the certificate program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of $20,000-$29,000 depending on your motivation and job obtained.
If you complete the diploma program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of $25,000-$45,000 depending on your motivation and job obtained. We have had students earn as high as $70,000 their first year!
If you complete the degree program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of $35,000-$50,000 depending on your motivation and job obtained.
- A technician with three-five years of experience should expect to earn a salary up to $75,000-$80,000.
- Top technicians in our area can earn up to $125,000 depending on skillset and motivation.
- Managers in our areas have salary range of $60,000-$150,000 depending on business.
The Collision Repair certificate and diploma programs are typically offered during the day, between time 8:00 am-3:30 pm, with the second year being offered between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm to accommodate student work schedules during the day.
A large number of our students obtain a job before they are finished with the diploma or degree programs. Job placement depends on work ethic, attendance, and class performance.
Any type of transportation requires building and/or repair. Job possibilities extend past the traditional collision shops and dealerships to include: Insurance adjusters, paint and equipment sales/techs, race teams, bus and trucking industry, boat and aircraft industry, manufacturing facilities, glass shops and more. Many of our graduates have gone on to become instructors, managers, and shop owners.
There are certificates offered for modules that are completed throughout the curriculum. Completion of the AAS will give you one of the two years of experience required for the ASE test. Automotive Service Excellence is one of the most sought after certifications in the Collision Repair Field. You can learn more at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website.
$1,400 a semester minus tools
- Tuition: $1,000 to $1,250 a semester (Certificate requires one semester; diploma requires three semesters; degree requires five semesters)
- Books: $150 to $1,000 (depending on courses/program taken)
- Tools: $1,500 minimum (One-time cost. Student discounts are offered by several tool vendors.)