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
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
Program Exploration
Program Exploration – April 2
Learn more about the Collision Repair Technology program, meet the instructors, and get your questions answered!
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
Collision Repair Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Collision Repair Technology – Basic Technical Certificate
Career Opportunities
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).
135
Annual Openings*
$17.97
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,378
Annual Median Salary
21.69%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).
81
Annual Openings*
$18.17
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,794
Annual Median Salary
21.3%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
54
Annual Openings*
$29.03
Hourly Median Wage*
$60,382
Annual Median Salary
17.14%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames. Excludes “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers” (49-3022) and “Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders” (51-9124).
11
Annual Openings*
$22.37
Hourly Median Wage*
$46,530
Annual Median Salary
18.41%
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. Excludes “Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic” (51-4193).
7
Annual Openings*
$18.20
Hourly Median Wage*
$37,856
Annual Median Salary
26.35%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Transportation Inspectors
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified. Excludes “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).
2
Annual Openings*
$48.55
Hourly Median Wage*
$100,984
Annual Median Salary
6.36%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
1
Annual Openings*
$35.15
Hourly Median Wage*
$73,112
Annual Median Salary
-17.13%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment. Excludes “Avionics Technicians” (49-2091) and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).
N/A
Annual Openings*
$33.93
Hourly Median Wage*
$70,574
Annual Median Salary
N/A
Growth (2021 - 2031)*
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
N/A
Annual Openings*
$22.63
Hourly Median Wage*
$47,070
Annual Median Salary
N/A
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.
Image Carousel
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.
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.
Clubs
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 CenterStudents, 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 TomorrowAre 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 EventsSophie 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 DreamsTen Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.
Read more about 2020 Emerging ProfessionalsCWI 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
Connect With Us
Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!