Find Quality Car Body Parts Repair Near Me: Start Your Career at PCC

Student welding a collision repair part in the shop

Are you searching for reliable “Car Body Parts Repair Near Me”? The automotive industry is constantly seeking skilled professionals to meet this demand, and Portland Community College (PCC) offers a direct pathway to a rewarding career in auto collision repair. Become a highly sought-after auto collision repair technician and gain the expertise to excel in this growing field.

The Oregon Employment Department projects a robust 7.3% growth in auto collision repair technician jobs in the Portland area through 2027, indicating strong and consistent demand for qualified professionals. This makes now the perfect time to invest in your future and train for a stable and well-paying career.

Why Choose PCC for Your Auto Body Repair Technician Training?

Competitive Salary Expectations

When you’re looking for “car body parts repair near me,” you want to know you’re dealing with qualified, well-compensated professionals. PCC graduates enter the workforce with the skills to command excellent salaries. The Oregon Employment Department reports that auto collision repair technicians in the Portland area earn between $18.33 and $29.42 per hour. The average annual salary is approximately $61,186, providing a comfortable and sustainable income.

Hands-On, Real-World Auto Repair Experience

At PCC, you won’t just learn from textbooks. Our Auto Collision Repair program provides invaluable real-world experience by allowing students to work on vehicles from the public that are in need of repair. This practical, hands-on approach ensures you graduate with confidence and job-ready skills. Discover more about our repair work program.

Established in 1970, Portland Community College’s Auto Collision Repair program boasts a long-standing reputation as one of the largest and most respected programs on the West Coast. Our curriculum is designed around current industry best practices, preparing you for the challenges and advancements in auto body repair. With small class sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 20 students, you’ll benefit from personalized instruction and dedicated attention from our experienced faculty.

State-of-the-Art Repair Facilities

Our 17,000 square foot facility is equipped with industry-leading technology, mirroring the environments you’ll encounter when you search for “car body parts repair near me” services. Our equipment includes:

• Four advanced frame benches with computer measuring systems for precise structural repairs.
• Two state-of-the-art downdraft paint booths ensuring high-quality refinishing.
• A dedicated prep booth for efficient and clean paint preparation.
• Modern resistance spot welders for factory-standard welding techniques.
• Industry-standard MIG welders for versatile metal joining.

Co-op Programs and Industry Partnerships for Career Success

PCC’s commitment to your career extends beyond the classroom. Students pursuing a 2-year certificate or AAS degree conclude their program with a valuable co-op experience. This involves 300 hours working in a real collision repair shop under the mentorship of a master technician. This co-op often transitions into full-time employment, giving you a significant head start in your career. Furthermore, you’ll earn I-CAR credits and Non-Structural Pro-Level 1 certification, industry-recognized credentials that enhance your employability when seeking “car body parts repair near me” jobs.

Our Auto Collision Repair program actively cultivates partnerships with leading agencies, companies, and training organizations to ensure our curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant. Our partners include:

• I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) – ensuring our curriculum meets the highest industry standards.
• Local collision repair centers, providing real-world insights and opportunities.
• Equipment and materials manufacturers, keeping us updated on the latest technologies.
• Chief Automotive Technologies, Inc., a leader in collision repair equipment.
• National insurance companies, offering a broad industry perspective.

Our curriculum’s approval by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (ICAR) guarantees you are learning skills that are highly valued across the automotive repair industry.

Degree and Certificate Options in Auto Collision Repair

Choose the path that best fits your career goals with PCC’s range of degree and certificate programs:

Comprehensive Curriculum for Skilled Technicians

Our streamlined instruction focuses on equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge to become a proficient auto body repair technician or painter. Our Auto Collision Repair program develops your expertise in:

• Structural and nonstructural repair techniques for all types of vehicle damage.
• Accurate damage analysis to determine the best repair strategies.
• Welding expertise, crucial for many “car body parts repair near me” services.
• Metalworking skills for shaping and restoring vehicle panels.
• Automotive painting and refinishing to restore vehicles to their original appearance.
• Basic automotive mechanics knowledge relevant to collision repair.
• Safety procedures and best practices in a repair shop environment.
• Applied mathematics for measurements and calculations in repair processes.
• Effective communication skills for customer interaction and teamwork.

Find detailed information about program costs, required tools, and textbooks on our getting started page.

Career Paths After Graduation: Where Will Your PCC Degree Take You?

As a PCC Auto Collision Repair graduate, you’ll be prepared to enter a large and diverse industry. Your duties and responsibilities may include:

• Replacing bolt-on body parts efficiently and correctly.
• Performing weld-on body part replacements with precision.
• Utilizing auto frame measuring and repair equipment for structural integrity.
• Expertly repairing damaged body panels to restore vehicle aesthetics and safety.
• Conducting thorough damage analysis to create accurate repair plans.
• Refinishing repaired areas to match original factory finishes.
• Estimating repair costs, a valuable skill in customer service and shop management.
• Welding using various techniques: steel MIG, silicon bronze MIG, and aluminum MIG welding.

Diverse Employment Opportunities Await

PCC prepares you for a wide range of roles in sectors that are always seeking “car body parts repair near me” specialists:

• Auto collision repair shops, the core of the industry.
• Car restoration and hot rod shops, specializing in custom and classic vehicle repairs.
• Equipment and supply companies, in sales, service, and technical support roles.
• Insurance companies and appraisers, assessing vehicle damage and repair costs.
• Aircraft repair and refinishing, applying similar skills to a different industry.
• Fleet maintenance companies, managing and repairing vehicle fleets.
• Truck and heavy equipment shops, working on larger vehicles.
• Product manufacturers in the automotive aftermarket.
• Sales and technical representative roles within the automotive industry.
• Yacht and boat repair, expanding your skills to marine vehicles.

PCC graduates have been successfully hired by reputable businesses in the Portland area, including:

• 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

Take Your Next Step Towards a Rewarding Career

Applying to PCC is free and takes only a few minutes. Apply now and start your journey towards becoming a sought-after auto collision repair technician, ready to meet the demand for “car body parts repair near me” services.

Need More Information?

We are here to help you get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future career.

Explore Related Programs at PCC

PCC offers over 90 diverse programs to help you achieve your educational and career goals.