As the fall semester begins, collision repair programs in the Southwest prepare to welcome new students, enhance their facilities, and introduce updated curricula.
Three standout programs -- Lincoln Tech in Denver, Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, OK, and Collin College in Allen, TX -- are leading the charge in providing top-tier education in collision repair. If you would like to see your school’s collision repair program featured in an upcoming issue of Autobody News, please contact Editor Abby Andrews at aandrews@autobodynews.com.
Here are some exciting developments and achievements as the schools set the stage for another successful academic year of training, preparing and equipping students to help address the workforce shortage of collision repairers.
Lincoln Tech, Denver: Expanding Excellence in Collision Repair Education
Lincoln Tech continues to solidify its reputation as a popular resource for students pursuing careers in collision repair. With programs in collision repair and refinishing technologies and collision repair and refinishing service management, Lincoln Tech offers students comprehensive education and hands-on experience.
A student at Lincoln Tech in Denver.
This year, the program has made great strides in enhancing its offerings. The curriculum has been continuously developed to meet industry standards, and the school is on track to migrate to the I-CAR Academy in 2025. The welding lab was renovated to create more space and improve ventilation, ensuring students have access to the best possible learning environment.
Jordan Cahill, a lead instructor at Lincoln Tech, said student retention and enrichment have improved tremendously over the past year. This fall, Lincoln Tech has about 80 students enrolled in its programs. The addition of new instructors and the acquisition of modern training vehicles have contributed to this growth. As the new academic year begins, Lincoln Tech looks forward to welcoming new students and continuing its tradition of excellence in collision repair education.
Lincoln Tech hosts many continuing education events for automotive service and repair professionals. The Automotive Service Association of Colorado (ASA-Colorado) has hosted its annual Summit event there for many years. Its 2025 event is scheduled for Jan. 25.
Meridian Technology, Stillwater: A Hub for Skilled Technicians
Meridian Technology has also made waves in collision repair education. You can read about its contributions here and here. With a range of programs, including the combination collision repair technician, non-structural repair technician, and an adult DOL-sponsored automobile body repairer apprenticeship, Meridian Technology is dedicated to producing highly skilled technicians ready to enter the workforce.
Meridian Tech instructor Jordan Short.
Instructor Jordan Short, a veteran of the body repair industry, is aware of the fact the average age of a collision repair technician is 44, and more than 60% of the collision repair labor force is more than 40, according to Zippia.com.
As a result, Short is constantly looking at ways to grow and evolve the program to build excitement and attract younger generations into the trade. His hard work is paying off because the program has grown with each academic semester. Its full-time program is currently capped, and its apprenticeship program is growing.
Students thrive in its programs and apprenticeships. During the last school year, two students placed in the state SkillsUSA contest, one earning second place in refinishing and another in estimation.
Meridian Technology is rolling out the new I-CAR Academy curriculum this fall, ensuring its students receive the most up-to-date training. The program also invested in new equipment, including SATA, ANEST IWATA, DeVilbiss paint guns, cordless Milwaukee buffers and a Chief measuring system. Short looks forward to attending the SEMA Show in November for continuing education, further enhancing his ability to provide top-notch instruction to his students.
Collin College, Allen: A Growing Force in Collision Repair Education
Collin College in Allen, near Dallas, is another institution making significant contributions to collision repair education. With an associate's degree, one- and two-year certificates, and an enhanced skills certificate focusing on Toyota collision practices, Collin College offers a diverse array of programs to meet the needs of its students.
Collin College instructor Raven Hartkopf.
Over the past few years, Collin College’s collision repair program has experienced tremendous growth. Instructor Raven Hartkopf is excited to welcome the largest group of new students -- 75 -- to the program this fall. That growth has led to adding a new adjunct professor, Jon Crissman, who has brought fresh perspectives and expertise to the program.
One of the program’s most significant achievements in the past year was the graduation of its largest group of students in May -- double the number of graduates from the previous year. In addition, Collin College was the recipient of the TRUE (Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Through Education) grant, which provided funds to cover tuition, books, uniforms and tool kits for students, which allowed more students to access quality education and pursue careers in collision repair.
The college has recently installed six welding booths, enhancing safety and providing a better learning environment for students.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Need for Industry Support
While these programs have made impressive strides, they also face challenges that require industry support. One common issue is finding job placements for students. Both Cahill at Lincoln Tech and Hartkopf at Collin College emphasize the importance of businesses offering part-time work opportunities for students. This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings and accelerate their learning.
“I wish more shops were flexible with schedules for students because students learn so much faster if they are already in a shop while attending class,” said Hartkopf.
In addition, Short at Meridian Technology highlighted the need for used aluminum and steel fenders for training purposes. Donations of these materials would greatly benefit the program, providing students with the necessary resources to hone their skills.
Contact the instructors individually if you can help or want to learn more about getting involved at these schools.
Along with the needs of these schools, the Autobody Association of Texas (ABAT) has partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to organize a “School Supply Drive of a Different Kind.” The organizations invite ABAT members to partner with almost 30 collision repair programs statewide to donate used parts and encourage them to get involved on the schools’ advisory boards.
If your shop wants to donate parts or get involved, contact ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle at jill@abat.us.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Events on the Horizon
As the new academic year gets underway, all three programs have exciting events and initiatives on the horizon. Lincoln Tech in Denver is gearing up for its annual Car Show on Sept. 14, showcasing its students’ skills and talent. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out some of the collision training equipment that will be demoed at the event, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in the field.
Collin College plans to host a career fair with CREF in October. This event will allow students to connect with potential employers and learn more about career opportunities in the industry.
A Bright Future for Collision Repair Education
The collision repair programs at Lincoln Tech, Meridian Technology and Collin College set a high standard for education in the field. With dedicated instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to student success, these institutions prepare the next generation of skilled technicians to meet the industry's demands.
As these programs continue to grow and evolve, industry support will be crucial in helping them overcome challenges and achieve even greater success. Businesses and organizations can play a vital role by offering job placements, donating materials and participating in events that showcase the talents of these future professionals. Let’s continue to spotlight the exceptional programs shaping the future of the collision repair industry.
Leona Scott