Are you fascinated by cars and have a knack for hands-on work? Do you dream of shaping metal and bringing damaged vehicles back to their former glory? Then you’ve landed in the right place. While the term “program autobody car” might sound unconventional, it perfectly encapsulates the journey of learning and mastering the intricate skills required in autobody and collision repair. Think of it as programming yourself for a successful and rewarding career in this dynamic industry.
Important Update Regarding Our Auto Body Program
Please be aware that we are temporarily pausing admissions to the Auto Body Repair and Painting (ABRP) Program for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. We encourage you to revisit our website for future updates on program availability. In the meantime, we offer a range of other programs that might align with your interests. For further information, please reach out to us at (808) 845-9162 or send us an email at [email protected].
Discover the Auto Body Repair and Painting Program
Our comprehensive Auto Body Repair and Painting (ABRP) program is meticulously designed to set you on a direct path to a thriving career in the high-demand collision repair and autobody sector. This program isn’t just about fixing cars; it’s about programming your skills and knowledge to meet industry standards. Developed in collaboration with the I-CAR Education Foundation, our curriculum is rigorously based on the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) Auto Body Task List and the gold standard of technician certification, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Imagine learning in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern tools and technology. Our program offers a balanced learning experience, combining in-depth classroom instruction with extensive hands-on laboratory work. This practical approach ensures you not only understand the theory but also gain the crucial practical skills needed to excel as an autobody technician. You will learn how to “program” your hands and mind to diagnose, repair, and refinish vehicles to pre-accident condition.
Program Learning Outcomes: Your Blueprint for Success
Our Program Learning Outcomes are carefully defined goals that outline what you will achieve through this immersive learning experience. These outcomes, detailed in the College Catalog, serve as your blueprint, guiding you towards mastery in autobody repair. You will “program” yourself to:
- Diagnose and repair: Apply mechanical and design principles to accurately diagnose autobody damage and select the most effective repair strategies.
- Master techniques: Gain proficiency in the latest autobody repair and painting techniques, becoming adept at using industry-standard tools and equipment.
- Ensure quality: Develop a keen eye for detail, ensuring every repair meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Technical Standards: Are You Ready to Program Yourself for Autobody Excellence?
Our Technical Standards highlight the essential mental, physical, and behavioral attributes vital for successful participation and completion of our rigorous curriculum. Consider these standards as the foundational code you need to “program” into your skillset to thrive in autobody repair:
Thinking Skills: Programming Your Diagnostic Abilities
General
Develop the ability to apply mechanical and design concepts to accurately diagnose autobody damage and select the most appropriate and efficient repair processes. This is the core of “programming” your approach to each repair job.
Specific
- Technical Literacy: Learn to expertly read and meticulously follow autobody technical specification sheets and detailed work orders, crucial for precise repairs.
- Damage Analysis: Sharpen your analytical skills to accurately assess autobody damage and precisely identify the specific body parts requiring replacement.
- Precision Measurement: Master the art of measuring autobody components to guarantee a perfect fit, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
- Chemical Expertise: Learn to accurately measure and calculate the correct ratios of chemicals and solvents for paint application and removal, a critical aspect of achieving flawless finishes.
Sensory/Observation Skills: Programming Your Eye for Detail
General
Cultivate exceptional observation and assessment skills to thoroughly evaluate autobody conditions, enabling you to spot even minor imperfections.
Specific
- Cosmetic Panel Inspection: Train your eye to meticulously inspect cosmetic panels and identify any autobody irregularities, ensuring a smooth and flawless surface.
- Paint Scale Acuity: Develop the ability to accurately distinguish readings on paint scales, vital for precise color matching and paint mixing.
- Color Variation Recognition: Program your visual perception to distinguish subtle color variations, essential for achieving seamless paint repairs and matching original factory finishes.
Motor Skills: Programming Your Hands for Autobody Mastery
General
Possess the necessary physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to confidently and competently perform a wide range of autobody and refinishing tasks.
Specific
- Tool and Equipment Operation: Become proficient in operating all necessary autobody tools and equipment, from hand tools to advanced machinery.
- Component Manipulation: Develop the dexterity to efficiently remove, repair, and replace damaged components and intricate small parts with precision.
- Confined Space Maneuvering: Gain the agility to comfortably position and maneuver yourself effectively in confined workspaces within vehicles.
- Variable Height Work: Adapt to working at varying heights, utilizing safety procedures and equipment as needed.
- Material Handling: Acquire the strength to safely lift and transport equipment and materials as required in a busy autobody shop environment.
Communication Skills: Programming Your Professional Interactions
General
Communicate clearly and effectively to gather crucial information and convey your findings and recommendations with professionalism.
Specific
- Information Acquisition: Develop strong skills in obtaining necessary information from both oral and written sources, including colleagues, supervisors, and technical documents.
- Coherent Expression: Learn to express information in a clear, logical, and coherent manner, both verbally and in writing.
- Accurate Documentation: Master the skill of documenting your work accurately and comprehensively, maintaining detailed records of repairs and procedures.
Behavioral Skills: Programming Your Success in a Team Environment
General
Learn to conduct yourself appropriately and safely within a collaborative learning environment, respecting colleagues, instructors, and equipment.
Specific
- Independent Work Ethic: Develop the ability to work independently and efficiently with periodic supervision, taking initiative and managing your tasks effectively.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Learn to work cooperatively and productively with partners and groups, contributing positively to team projects and shared tasks.
- Responsibility and Reliability: Demonstrate the ability to follow through with both individual and shared responsibilities, meeting deadlines and commitments.
- Sound Judgement: Exercise good judgment and make responsible decisions in all aspects of your work, prioritizing safety and quality.
- Safety Protocol Adherence: Strictly adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Environmental Tolerance: Programming Your Resilience in the Shop
General
Learn to function safely and effectively in a dynamic auto shop environment, adapting to various conditions and potential hazards.
Specific
- Noise Management: Work effectively for extended periods amidst varying levels of noise common in autobody shops.
- Heat Adaptation: Tolerate working in warm conditions, particularly during painting and drying processes.
- Sharp Tool Awareness: Exercise caution and maintain safety awareness around sharp tools and materials.
- Electrical Safety: Work safely with electrical equipment, understanding potential hazards and safety protocols.
- Chemical Handling: Work responsibly with chemicals and toxins, utilizing proper safety equipment and ventilation.
- Dust and Fume Mitigation: Work safely in environments with dust and fumes, using respirators and ventilation systems as required.
- Machinery Awareness: Maintain awareness and exercise caution around machinery with moving parts.
- Moving Object and Vehicle Safety: Be vigilant and prioritize safety around moving objects and vehicles within the shop environment.
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In addition to Tuition, please consider these additional costs:
- Textbooks, Tools and Supplies: Estimated at approximately $1000-$1300.
- I-CAR Student Access: $50, plus $100 optional I-CAR end-of-year test out for industry certification.
Ready to get started on programming your autobody career? Here are your next steps:
- Apply to Honolulu Community College: Begin your journey by submitting your application through our Admissions Overview page.
- Clearance and Licensing: Ensure you obtain Respirator Use clearance and possess a valid driver’s license, prerequisites for program participation.
Tool List (PDF)
Safety Requirements and Misc Supplies (PDF)
Respirator Use Clearance (PDF)
Degrees & Certificates Offered
- Certificate of Achievement (CA): A valuable credential to launch your autobody career.
Course Information
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Careers: Program Yourself for a Successful Future
Many graduates of our Auto Body Repair and Painting program have successfully programmed their skills into rewarding careers in the occupations listed below:
- Collision Repair Technician
- Auto Body Painter
- Insurance Damage Appraiser
- Custom Car Restorer
- Automotive Service Advisor (with further experience)
- Shop Foreman or Manager (with further experience)
Explore the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more detailed insights into these career paths and industry outlook.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Programming Your Education Affordably
First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. FAFSA can significantly help cover tuition and other educational expenses, making your autobody program more accessible. For comprehensive information about Financial Aid and the FAFSA process, please visit our Financial Aid Overview page.
Next, investigate scholarship opportunities! You may qualify for scholarships awarded based on merit, academic achievements, and/or financial need. Browse the Scholarships page to discover available scholarships and funding options to further support your education.
Get Started: Program Your Future Today!
Honolulu Community College offers a diverse range of over 23 academic programs, including 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates, all designed to program you for a fulfilling and impactful career. Our ABRP program is your launchpad into the exciting world of autobody repair.
APPLY NOW and begin programming your journey to autobody excellence today!
