Mercer County Career Center

FIRST YEAR BENCHMARKS

All first-year students attending Mercer County Career Center will be evaluated using Benchmarks. Benchmarks are an indicator of future success in the field and for further training.

CAREER OPTIONS

• Collision Repair Technician

• Refinishing Technician

• Vehicle Damage Appraiser

• Auto Body Repair Technician

• Automotive Painter

• Collision Repair Apprentice

• Refinishing Prepper

• Frame Technician

• Glass Technician

• Detailer

• Insurance Adjuster

• Accessory Installer

• Custom Automotive Technician

PAY POTENTIAL

• Median Wages $21.85 ($45,440 yearly)

• Projected job openings (2019-2029) 13,600. *Source O-Net

In the Collision Repair and Refinishing program at Mercer County Career Center students will use cutting edge technology and the most up-to-date equipment in the industry including a touch-mix computerized paint mixing system, industry leading computer estimating software and smart technology resistance and MIG welder.

Students will split their time between the classroom and shop to learn the skills necessary to enter the workforce as well as have an opportunity to earn industry leading certifications from PPG and I-CAR. Students will learn to repair collision damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition, refinishing and custom painting, shop workflow and time management, along with soft skills that are essential for employment.

All instruction takes place in a safe, clean, state-of-the-art shop.

Courses of Study

• Safety

• Hand and Power Tools

• Metal Fabrication and MIG Welding

• Structural and Non-Structural Repair and Replacement

• Parts and Accessory Installation

• Plastic Repair

• Damage Analysis and Estimating

• Mechanical and Electrical Basics

• Automotive Refinishing and Custom Painting

• Detailing

• Metal Fabrication

Industry Certifications

• PPG Blue Level Certification

• S/P2 Collision Repair and Refinish Safety

• S/P2 Automotive Service Pollution Prevention

• I-CAR Certifications:

  • Automotive Lighting

  • Bolted-On Exterior Panels/Part 1

  • Bolted-On Exterior Panels/Part 2

  • Hazardous Airborne Pollutant Reduction

  • Hazardous Material Storage and Disposal

  • Intro to Collision Repair Process Overview

  • Intro to Refinishing and Corrosion Protection-Part 1

  • Intro to Refinishing and Corrosion Protection-Part 2

  • Intro to Safety Systems

  • Intro to Tools, Equipment and Attachment Methods-Part 2

  • Intro to Tools, Equipment and Attachment Methods-Part 1

  • Intro to Vehicle Construction Materials

  • Intro to Vehicle Parts Terminology-Part 1

  • Refinishing Equipment

  • Removing and Installing Exterior Trim, Pinstripes and Decals

  • Removing and Installing Hardware Interior Trim

  • Surface Preparation and Masking

  • Vehicle Construction Material Types

Class Requirements

• Students are responsible for:

  • Protective shoes

  • Maintain a clean work environment

  • Respecting school and customer property

  • Following all safety guidelines

  • Work boots (minimum ankle high)

  • Purchasing an approved paint respirator

  • Safety glasses