The first part of this two-part article explored the revitalization of Meridian Technology Center’s Collision Repair Technology program, highlighting the community effort that saved it from shuttering. The second part addresses the body shop owner’s perspective on how local shops helped to rebuild a robust collision repair program.
'Without the program, the shortage would only get worse.'
Everett Henry, manager of Diamond Autobody in Stillwater, OK, understands the significance of a strong educational foundation in collision repair. As a 1998 graduate of Meridian Tech, Henry has firsthand experience of the program’s impact. Today, he manages a successful body shop and has three Meridian students on his team, including his son, Jacob.
Henry was deeply concerned about Meridian Tech’s collision repair program’s uncertain future. “If it shut down, students would have had to travel to Oklahoma City or Tulsa for training,” he said. For Henry and his colleagues, this was unacceptable.
Diamond Autobody has been in business since 2001, and like many shops, it has felt the strain of a technician shortage. “My bosses, who have been working since the ’80s, were looking forward to the future, hoping a younger generation will eventually take over,” Henry explained. “Without the Meridian program, the shortage of technicians would only get worse.”
Henry’s commitment to the program is not just professional but personal. His oldest son, Jacob, recently graduated from Meridian Tech, earning a comprehensive career technician certificate in collision repair. Jacob, now 21, has been working at Diamond Autobody since his teenage years.
“He started with the same instructor as me and Jordan Short,” Henry said. “Jacob can handle bedside and door replacements and will soon change quarter panels. He’s also an I-CAR certified welder.”
Henry has a second son who plans to enter the apprenticeship program at Meridian, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.
Jessica Stegner serves as vice president of the Oklahoma Auto Body Association and is co-owner of Tim’s Body Worx in Guthrie.
Henry’s involvement in the program goes beyond being an employer of Meridian graduates. He serves on the advisory committee, ensuring the program remains relevant and up-to-date with industry standards. “It’s important to keep in touch with instructors and maintain a dialogue between body shops and the school,” he noted.
One of the key figures in revitalizing the Meridian Tech program is instructor Jordan Short, whose involvement was explored in part one. Henry, who once judged a competition in which Short participated, speaks highly of his contributions.
“Jordan has updated the program with skills and new information because he’s been working in the auto body field,” Henry said. “The program now focuses on practical skills and knowledge that benefit shops, like basic tool knowledge and advanced welding techniques.”
'We need to hire more people, and skilled techs are aging out.'
The effort to save and enhance the Meridian Tech program was a community-wide initiative. Jessica Stegner, vice president of the Oklahoma Auto Body Association and co-owner of Tim’s Body Worx in Guthrie, OK, was also instrumental in this effort.
“When the program was threatened, we rallied local body shop owners to attend meetings and voice their support,” she said. “We emphasized how much we rely on the program for skilled technicians.” They also emphasized the necessity of apprenticeships, which became a core component of the revamped curriculum.
Stegner’s passion for the industry is evident. She and her husband started Tim’s Body Worx in 1996, and they have grown it into a successful collision repair shop in a small rural town. Her oldest son is a body technician, and she received digital marketing training at Meridian Tech.
“We need to hire more people, and skilled techs are aging out,” she said. “In this field, you must work hard and be motivated, but the compensation is good. You can earn a six-figure salary after five years as a technician.”
The collaborative effort to reinvigorate the Meridian Tech program has resulted in significant improvements. It now offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. The program includes a state-of-the-art paint booth and lab, a welding area and a curriculum covering safety, static and live work. Students can work on real cars, providing them with invaluable real-world experience.
The collision repair technology classes focus on specific areas, such as aluminum welding and modern collision repair techniques. This specialized training is crucial for meeting the demands of today’s industry.
“Meridian Tech listened to what we needed,” Henry said. “They stepped up with this apprenticeship program, providing more training and hands-on work with later model cars.”
Stegner highlighted the program’s outreach efforts, such as student fairs that invite eighth graders to explore different careers. “Meridian Tech started promoting the program among seventh to ninth graders and used better marketing to appeal to students,” she said. “The new program equips students with the skills to step into a shop and perform basic tasks. Students can write estimates, conduct pre/post scans, and perform paint finish operations.”
The success of the Meridian Tech program is an example of the power of community collaboration and industry involvement. “It takes an army to get this industry going,” Henry concluded. “We all need to step up and help each other. Working together, we can ensure that the next generation of technicians is well-prepared to meet the challenges of our industry.”
Leona Scott