Auto Body & Paint Technology | Lake Area Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 49-3021.00

Skills

RepairingTroubleshootingCritical ThinkingMonitoringOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisTime ManagementSpeaking

Knowledge

MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingMathematics

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessVisualizationManual DexterityOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingFinger DexterityNear VisionVisual Color DiscriminationOral Expression

Tasks

File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and over
Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down weld

Technology

Accounting softwareCalendar and scheduling softwarePoint of sale POS softwareData base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliersAdjustable wrenchesAir chiselsAir compressorsAir hammersAir pressure gaugesAlignment machinesAlignment squaresAnvilsBlow torchesBody sawsBondo spreadersBrazing equipmentBuffing machinesCalipers

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium49-3021.00	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	title_inference	$51,680 median$87,040 top	+1.62%	280

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Power grinders and hand files — routinely file, grind, sand, and smooth body filler and welded repair areas to production-ready finish with minimal oversight in a busy collision shop.
Hammers and dolly blocks — independently position and work dented body panels back to approximate OEM contour using proper technique on standard passenger vehicles.
MIG welding equipment and wrenches — fit and weld replacement panels or structural sections into place and grind welds smooth with confidence on common repair jobs.
Paint sprayguns and motorized sanders — apply primer and finish coats to repaired surfaces, matching texture and sheen to adjacent panels in a climate-controlled paint booth.
Alignment machines with hydraulic systems — chain or clamp moderately damaged frames and body sections to alignment equipment and operate hydraulic pressure controls to restore dimensions.
Masking materials and surface prep supplies — complete full vehicle masking and sanding sequences efficiently, meeting shop cycle-time targets before paint application.
Repaired vehicle inspection protocols — conduct post-repair visual and functional checks, verify dimensional accuracy, and assess paint appearance before returning vehicles to customers.
Test-drive procedures — drive repaired vehicles on local roads to confirm proper wheel alignment, steering response, and overall handling after structural or mechanical repairs.
Work order time estimates — manage personal task scheduling to complete assigned repairs within flat-rate time allowances, flagging delays to supervisors proactively.
Scheduling and shop software — enter job status updates, labor times, and parts usage into shop management or point-of-sale systems used by the collision center.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.