Automotive Programs Prepare Students to Handle Maine Winters
The harsh conditions of Maine winters certainly takes its toll on automobiles – which is a perfect environment for Northern Maine Community College’s Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair programs.
NMCC’s Automotive Collision Repair is the only collegiate auto collision repair program in northern New England. The hands-on approach to the program has been designed to provide broad fundamental training in the repair of collision damage, frame straightening and the replacement of body panels. The students also learn to work with conventional solvent-based paints as well as waterborne technology.
“Instruction is given in welding, cutting and grinding, the use of plastic and fiberglass in preparation for the application of paint,” said Bob Collins, collision repair instructor. “The second year of the program reinforces the skills learned in the first year; however, more emphasis is placed on major collision appraisal and repair and the auto body refinishing process.”
Graduates of the automotive collision repair program find job opportunities with auto body and paint shops, new and used car dealers, auto glass shops and truck body builders.
“Students of the Automotive Collision Repair program and our Automotive Technology program develop a well-rounded skillset to help them face the challenges of servicing vehicles in Maine’s harsh weather conditions,” said Collins.
Automotive Technology is also a two-year, hands-on program designed to provide broad fundamental training in all aspects of automotive service and repair, employing up-to-date methods and materials for today’s technology. Students concentrate on all aspects of auto maintenance and repair, including electrical systems, engine performance diagnostics and repair, fuel injection systems, major engine service, and automatic/manual transmissions.
Seniors in the transportation trades programs have the opportunity to participate in a field trip to Detroit, MI in order to experience the history and manufacturing processes of the transportation industry.
Graduates of the automotive technology program are qualified as entry level technicians, finding employment opportunities with automobile dealerships, independent garages, aftermarket specialty shops and other related businesses.
“Technology is changing constantly; whether in vehicles or what is used to service them,” said Bugbee. “As a result, we continually adapt our program to provide our students a state-of-the-art education.”