Program’s Mission Statement

 The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as automotive body related repairer, and automobile body repairers. This program also provides supplemental training for previously or currently employed in this occupation.

Program Content

Specialized classroom and shop/lab experiences will enable the student to become proficient in various phases of the repair of damaged automobile bodies and fenders, including body frame and alignment.  Instruction includes welding and cutting; metal straightening by hammering; smoothing areas by filling, grinding and sanding and concealment of imperfections; painting and replacement of body parts and components, including glass, upholstery and trim; use of parts and repair manuals, price lists and manuals used in estimating and pricing to customers; record keeping; shop safety and housekeeping; care of hand tools, specialized tools and equipment; and use of current industry standards, practices and techniques, and paint mixing.

Supplemental training is also available for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

Entrance Requirements

 ¹    16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in another Miami-Dade County Public School

¹    Occupational Interest

Length of Program

The entire program is 1400 hours, but student can earn a certificate at the completion of the following OCP’s:

 OCP A (Paint and Body Helper) 500 hours

OCP B (Auto collision Estimator) 100 hours

OCP C (Frame and body Repairman) 150 hours

OCP D (Automotive Refinishing) 325 hours

OCP E (Auto Body Repairman) 325 hours

Minimum basic-skills grade levels required for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate are 9^th grade in Math, Reading, and Language on the TABE Test.

Employment Opportunities:

Paint and Body Helper, Estimator, Frame and Body Repairman, Automotive Body Repairman, Automotive Refinishing.

Salary

Estimated earnings for a first-year graduate competent in his or her discipline will range from $18,000 to $22,000 a year.

Two to five years in the trade justifies an earning range from $25,000 to $35,000 a year. Master-level technicians can earn from $50,000  to $80,000 a year.

Demand for qualified body repairers will  increase as the number for motor vehicles in operation continues to grow in line with the nation’s population. With an increase in the number for motor vehicles in use, the number of vehicular accidents will also grow.