NAMPA, Idaho — What if we told you there's a training program that's placing every one of its students into jobs when they graduate… and it still has openings?
That’s exactly what is happening within CWI’s Auto Body Technology Program.
The program is two years long, and it offers multiple auto body technology certificates and an associate degree.
“A traditional college I knew wasn’t for me, something like this, more hands-on, and gaining a skill was something I knew I could excel in,” said Chris White, a second-year student in the program.
The program teaches students the trades they need in order to become an entry-level technician in auto body and collision repair.
“We start the students off with safety, so they know how to work with the equipment and the tools,” said Sean McConnachie, Associate Professor in the Auto Body Program at CWI.
As a first year student, they learn welding and body repair, where they learn how to fix dents. They also learn the office work side of the business, where they are taught how to calculate estimates.
Then as a second year student, they begin learning the finish work.
Once year two wraps up, students are sent out the door with auto body certificates and an associates degree.
“All of our local shops look to us as a recruiting tool,” said McConnachie.
That creates an extremely high job placement rate for when the students graduate.
“Hundred percent, guaranteed, job placement. Our industry partners are well connected with our programs and there’s never a challenge with getting a student a job,” said Alex Beal, Department Chair of the Department of Diesel Technology.
But despite the job placement rate, the Auto Body Program is having a hard time filling up.
Each year they average about 12 to 14 students graduating from the program, but the program is equipped to graduate 18 students each year, so any prospects are welcome.
Prospective students can find out more information on the program by clicking here.
