Auto Body Technician
The Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) Auto Body Technician program is one of the premier auto body repair programs in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Auto Body Technician students work on customer vehicles every quarter. Emphasis is placed on building the skills necessary to do auto body repair, with lots of opportunity to practice the skills. Students can start any quarter of the year and obtain either a Certificate of Completion (two quarters) by completing their transportation core and any one of the following 4 blocks:
- Refinishing
- Structural Repair
- Non-Structural Repair
- Estimating/Shop Management
Or, students can receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Auto Body Technician AAS degree at LWTech prepares students with skills to compete in the auto body repair industry
. This program consists of six quarters of auto body classes and auto paint training.
Students will spend their first quarter of training in a transportation core curriculum.
The laboratory area is designed to simulate an actual industry repair environment
and includes a state-of-the-art painting booth with the latest in high-tech equipment. Successful graduates are qualified for employment in the high wage, high demand field
of auto body repair and restoration.
Classes for this program are typically held in the mornings from 7 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Learn from Industry Experts
From the first day of auto body class, you will see that your instructor has a genuine interest in your success. Classes provide you the chance to combine technical theory with skill mastery. You will also work with representatives from numerous auto body shops in western Washington that volunteer their time to demonstrate skills. You will receive hands on mentoring from the best in the business. Start networking with technicians and shop owners from across the auto body industry.
Program Highlights
General Requirements (Start any quarter)
- Computer Basics/Transportation Trades
- Shop and Business Practices
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Mechanical Principles
Refinishing (Summer)
- Refinishing Products, Tools & Equipment
- Surface Preparation, Masking & Detailing
- Refinishing Application Procedures
- Color Mixing, Matching & Paint Problems
Structure Repair (Fall)
- Door & Glass Service
- Measuring & Realignment Procedures
- Welded Panel Removal & Replacement
- Corrosion Protection
Non-Structural Repair (Winter)
- Metal Panel Repair
- Body Fillers and Applications
- Composite Panel Repairs
- Disassembly & Re-Assembly Technology
Estimating/Shop Management (Spring)
- Vehicle Construction Technology
- Estimating & Shop Management Programs
- Damage Analysis
- Mechanical & Electrical Systems
Advanced Auto Body (Offered every quarter) (For students who completed all 4 blockslisted above)
- Advanced Non-Structural Repair
- Advanced Structural Repair
- Advanced Refinishing
- Advanced Estimating & Shop Management
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Auto Body Technician program have the opportunity to build a career in the lucrative collision repair & restoration industries.
Auto Body facilities are in need of trained individuals to fill positions such as:
- Painter
- Paint Prepper
- Detailer
- Body Technician
- Structural Repair Technician
- Estimator
- Parts Manager
- Shop Manager
Other related career opportunities include:
- Insurance appraiser
- Auto glass technician
- Sales Representative for tool manufacturers, paint and supplydistributors, or paint manufacturers
- Owning your own shop
Admission Requirements
Entry into this program requires the completion of an admissions application.
