An auto collision repair technician is a skilled member in a respected and rewarding career field. Portland Community College puts you on the fast track to employment in the auto collision repair industry.

The Oregon Employment Department forecasts Portland area employment for auto collision repair technicians will grow 7.3% through 2027.

Why choose Auto Collision Repair Technology at PCC?

Since its establishment in 1970, Portland Community College’s Auto Collision Repair program has grown into one of the largest and most reputable programs on the West Coast. Our class projects help you understand the most current industry practices. Class size ranges from 10 to 20 students, so you’ll receive the one-on-one attention you deserve.

Facility

Our facility covers approximately 17,000 square feet. Our equipment meets current industry standards and includes:

Four frame benches and computer measuring systems

Two state-of-the-art downdraft paint booths

One prep booth

Resistance spot welders

MIG welders

Co-op classes and partnerships

The 2-year certificate and AAS degree-seeking students end the program with a co-op class where you work in a collision repair shop under the guidance of a master technician for 300 hours in the shop which usually turns into full-time employment. You will also earn I-CAR credits and Non-Structural Pro-Level 1 certification.

The Auto Collision Repair program features partnerships with agencies, companies, and training organizations to keep your learning relevant. Partners include:

I-Car

Local repair centers, equipment, and materials manufacturers

Chief Automotive, Inc.

National insurance companies

Our curriculum is approved by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (ICAR).

What will you learn?

Repair (structural and nonstructural)

Damage analysis

Welding

Metalworking

Painting repaired automobiles

Mechanics

Safety

Mathematics

Communication

Learn more about program costs, tools, and textbooks on our getting started page.

What will you do?

Your work will vary according to your employer. Duties and responsibilities may include:

Bolt-on parts replacement

Weld-on parts replacement

Auto frame measuring and repair

Repair damaged body panels

Damage analysis

Refinishing damage

Estimating repair cost

Welding

steel MIG

silicon bronze MIG

aluminium MIG welding

Who will hire you?

We prepare you to enter a large industry that includes:

Auto collision repair

Car restoration / hot rod shops

Equipment and supply companies

Insurance companies and appraisers

Aircraft repair and refinishing

Fleet maintenance

Truck and heavy equipment shops

Product manufacturers

Sales and technical reps

Yacht and boat repair

Graduates of the program have been hired by businesses such as:

Artistic Auto Body

Beaverton Honda

Gerber Collision & Glass

ABRA/Caliber Collision Repair

Kuni Collision Repair

Fix Auto

Mackin’s Auto Body

Central Auto Body

McCollum Auto Body

Precision Auto Body and Paint of Beaverton

F-1 students cannot take fully-online programs, and with COVID guidance coming to a close, F-1 students must follow the guidelines in place of being in-person to take in-person classes with a limit of 1 online class per term. So, none of these descriptions should say "Online" or "Starts online" or "On Campus - online start". They should all say "On Campus".