Collision Auto Repair
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Collision Auto Repair

There it is—the hot rod you helped restore, rolling down Woodward. The crowd sees the flash of the indigo pearl paint. You see the hours spent in the booth and week after week in the shop. Every minute, every drop of sweat: worth it. 

Repair & Restore Cars 

Auto body work is rewarding and in demand because a car is more than an engine. It is a vehicle that carries us in safety and style through a world of bumps, jolts, and storms. It is the windshield, headlamps, grills, trim, and metallic shield. 

Gain the skills to step in when that auto body has been damaged in a crash or by the weight of time.  

You measure and estimate. You plan. You talk it through. And then you go to work on what is broken. Unbend the fenders. Replace and reconnect the backup camera. Troubleshoot. 

Make it new—again. Explore local jobs.

Job Market Outlook

Bumper to Bumper Program 

  • Largest, most comprehensive auto body program in the area 
  • I-CAR certifications earned during class 
  • I-CAR certification after completing Paint and Refinish or Nonstructural Repair certificates 
  • Either certificate (Paint and Refinish or Nonstructural Repair) prepares students for State of Michigan and ASE national certification 
  • Estimating and customer service courses 
  • Custom paint work 
  • Detailing & Vehicle delivery prep 
  • National accreditation by the Automotive Service Education (ASE) Foundation
Did you know?

Explore OCC’s Auto Collision Lab

Ever wondered how cars are repaired after a crash? Take a virtual tour of our top-notch OCC auto collision lab.  Want to see the lab in person?  Register for Oakland Community College Auburn Hill campus tour.

Repair & Refinishing Specialties 

Choose the certificate that matches your goals and the work you want to do in the body shop. 

Certificates 

We offer two full certificates in Collision Repair. Options include: 

Paint and Refinish Technology 

Painting and perfecting your painting: 

Nonstructural Repair Technology 

Metal and plastic repair and refinishing: 

Certificates of Achievement 

Start your career with an entry-level certificate in either body repair or painting. Options include: 

Body Repair Technician Assistant 

Entry-level skills and the basics of part replacement: 

Detailer/Painter Assistant 

Entry-level skills and the fundamentals of finishes: 

Earn a Tech Sciences AAS, Your Way

Create an associate degree that flexes to fit your needs. Mix and match courses from one or more in-demand areas in technology, manufacturing, art, and design. Finish your degree to prepare for a new job, get promoted, or to transfer on for a bachelor’s degree. Explore Tech Sciences

Advisory Committees

Advisory committees play an integral role in the occupational programs at OCC. As our connection to industry and other education partners, advisory committee members offer guidance on the program’s curriculum to ensure we are offering programming that aligns with industry needs. Advisory committee members also offer recommendations on equipment to purchase that ensures students are receiving training on equipment that mirrors what they will see in industry. The Collision Auto Repair program is appreciative of its partners.

Advisory Committee Members

DHI Equipment
GNE Paint Centers
Miller Woods LLC
Oakland Schools OSTC-NE
Oakland Schools OSTC-NW
Oakland Schools OSTC-SE
Oakland Schools OSTC-SW
RPM Speed Works
State of Mind Customs
Templeton Refinishing
Vettestorations

Enroll Now 

Begin your studies with these steps: 

  • Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application. 
  • On the application, select your desired 'Collision Auto Repair' option. 
  • Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form.