Three new Teslas have been acquired by CWI and will be used by students in the Automotive Technology and Collision Repair programs.
Read more about CWI Automotive Programs Innovate with Electric VehiclesCollision Repair Technology
Hone the Skills Needed for Success in Today's Advanced Collision Repair Industry
Program Overview
Are you interested in mastering the art and science of collision repair and refinishing? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Collision Repair Technology program is tailored for those aspiring to excel in this dynamic industry. Expert-level instruction, taught by industry professionals, will provide you with hands-on training in welding, minor repair, polishing, panel replacement, plastic-bumper repair, estimating, and both structural and non-structural repair using state-of-the-art equipment.
This program offers you multiple training options from a Basic Technical Certificate to an Associate of Applied Science, each with extensive training, including classroom, lab work, and internships, with a focus on refinishing, color matching, custom painting, and advanced repair techniques. Successful completion of all collision repair classes qualifies you to earn I-CAR certificates in ProLevel 1 Non-Structural Repair and ProLevel 1 Refinishing.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Basic Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
Learning Opportunities
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train on industry-standard equipment for real-world readiness.
- Hands-On Training & Internships: Apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- I-CAR Professional Development Program: Graduate with ProLevel 1 certifications, aligning with industry professional standards.
- Student Toolkits: Prepare for immediate industry work with required toolkits.
- Specialized Skills Development: Master techniques in waterborne and solvent-borne paint systems, blending, and custom painting.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Collision Repair Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $17,257
Collision Repair Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $15,062
Collision Repair Technology – Basic Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $11,681
Career Opportunities
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
86
Annual Openings*
$22.82
Hourly Median Wage*
$47,466
Annual Median Salary
0.3%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
84
Annual Openings*
$19.10
Hourly Median Wage*
$39,728
Annual Median Salary
24.44%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
22
Annual Openings*
$22.67
Hourly Median Wage*
$47,154
Annual Median Salary
17.88%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
8
Annual Openings*
$30.07
Hourly Median Wage*
$62,546
Annual Median Salary
143.08%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“The equipment we have in the autobody shop is top of the line. It is incredible what we have to work with. From lifts to paint booths, even well-established autobody shops don’t always have those. You can only work with the tools you know, and to have such quality materials throughout our education sets us up for success.” Read more > about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow
“When I realized I could actually do a job based on my favorite T.V. shows, I decided it was time to go back to college and pursue my dream of one day owning my own collision repair and restoration shop. I looked around at different places in the U.K., and nothing had what I was looking for. When I looked into CWI, I knew it was exactly what I wanted.
” Read more > about Painting Her Dreams
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Collision Repair as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
STEP 3
- Attend a Collision Repair Technology Program Exploration event prior to registering for classes. Contact johndthompson@cwi.edu for future event details.
Academic Calendar New Student Checklist
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Related Programs
Clubs
SkillsUSA
College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.
News
Students and Instructors from Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology Programs shifted into high gear as they toured the Tesla Service Center in Boise.
Read more about Automotive and Collision Repair Take a Spin Into the Future at Tesla Service Center
Students, future students, and members of the public have an opportunity to learn more about Collison Repair Technology at College of Western Idaho’s Program Exploration events.
Read more about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow
Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!
Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events
Sophie Rusling, from the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, is pursuing her passion for car restoration and customization in College of Western Idaho's Collision Repair Technology program....
Read more about Painting Her Dreams
Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.
Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals
CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.
Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State CompetitionRequest More Information
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