St. Louis--Students enrolled in the automotive collision repair technology program at Ranken Technical College are finding jobs in some of the most interesting places, said Larry Schmidt, head of the automotive collision repair department.
Three recent graduates took jobs with Midcoast Aviation--a company that reconditions and customizes old planes, then sells them for more than $8 million each, Schmidt said.
"Who would have thought that a person in automotive collision repair could get a job refinishing planes," he said.
Although that scenario is not the norm, Schmidt said his graduates have no problem finding jobs in the automotive collision repair industry. "We have 100 percent placement for students after graduation," he said. "If they want to work, there are definitely jobs."
Schmidt said the job placement rate can largely be attributed to the way the program trains its students. The two-year program that follows the I-CAR curriculum is Master-Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) in all five areas of auto body repair: nonstructural, structural, refinishing, mechanical/electrical, and plastic repair, he said.
Currently, 200 students are involved in the automotive collision repair technology program, which offers day and evening classes. Five full-time faculty members teach the day classes and two to three adjuncts are in charge of the evening classes, Schmidt said, adding that the typical student is a man 18 to 21. He said he also has had some older students and 10 or more young women in the last few years.
The program trains students in the same way that a car would be processed through a professional shop; therefore, students begin their first semester by analyzing damage and nonstructural repairs, he said.
"In the real world, insurance companies or shops would be writing estimates and getting a blueprint of that repair, and that is what we do with our students," Schmidt said. "It is probably not the most fun thing for our students, but we want to provide them with a foundation."
During the first semester, students also do some minor work with fenders, body filler work, and plastic repairs, he said.
During the second semester, the students learn to do structural work and become familiar with MIG welding and other heating and cutting processes relative to steel and aluminum, Schmidt said. During this semester, students also take the MIG I-CAR skill qualification tests for metal and aluminum welding. The test, given to students at a discounted rate, guarantees each student eight I-CAR points, he said.
The third semester focuses on mechanical collision, which involves anything that might be part of an accident. Schmidt said that could include anything from installing airbags to steering and suspension work.
Finally, during the fourth semester, students learn the proper preparation of paint surface and equipment for refinishing.
In order to offer students the best possible education, Schmidt said that seven years ago, the collision repair program got a dealer's license, allowing them to purchase late-model cars that have been damaged. "NATEF standards want us working on late-model cars," he said. "By buying new cars that have been in accidents, we get to work on the latest and greatest vehicles."
Schmidt said he has been teaching at Ranken since 1985 and works hard to keep alumni involved with the college. Every spring since 2004, he said he has put on a car show to showcase alumni vehicles and promote the program. Last year, the event drew more than 3,000 people and 350 cars. He said the event is largely industry-supported, so it costs the college next to nothing to put on.
"This year, we also created our first calendar in which we highlight Ranken alumni vehicles," he said. "They are probably not the most flashy, magazine-quality cars, but they belong to our alumni, and it keeps them involved with the college and keeps them coming back." Each month of the calendar also offers information regarding the degree programs available at Ranken, he said.
Schmidt said his main goal is to have every graduate working and, through an e-mail list, to keep previous graduates posted on jobs that become available. "They may be happy with what they have, but if they are not, this gives them an opportunity to try something else," he said.
"A lot of teachers think that as soon as they shake hands on the stage at graduation that their job is done," Schmidt said. "In my mind it is just starting, and I think that if we keep that relationship with students and build on it, it will fill seats--their success will breed more success."