North Carolina's collision repair pathway prepares students for careers in vehicle body repair and restoration. Students develop expertise in frame alignment, panel repair, refinishing, and parts replacement. Growing vehicle fleet and accident frequencies create ongoing opportunities for collision technicians.
Curriculum covers collision assessment, frame and structural repair, body panel work, welding, painting, and refinishing. Students work on actual damaged vehicles in realistic shop environments. Learning emphasizes quality restoration and safety procedures.
Graduates work as collision technicians, estimators, shop supervisors, and facility managers for collision repair shops, dealerships, and insurance companies. Many advance to management and ownership roles.
Collision Repair at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's collision repair curriculum aligns with automotive repair standards and certification requirements. Students complete 4-6 pathway units covering collision assessment and repair as defined by NC DPI.
Programs teach collision repair procedures and quality standards. Students develop frame alignment and refinishing skills.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Collision Repair I | IT31 |
| Collision Repair II | IT32 |
| Collision Repair III | IT33 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Collision Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,060 - $62,920
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,803
Senior Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,560 - $59,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $48,428
Shop Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,450 - $158,460
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,364
Shop Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,450 - $158,460
Adjusted for cost of living: $105,364
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at collision repair shops, dealerships, and insurance companies throughout North Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
Automotive Service
North Carolina's automotive service pathway prepares students for careers in vehicle maintenance and repair. Students develop expertise in diagnostic procedures, service maintenance, repairs, and customer relations. Diverse vehicle fleet and strong transportation sector create career opportunities throughout the state. Curriculum covers automotive systems, diagnostic tools, service procedures, maintenance schedules, and customer communication. Students perform maintenance and repairs on actual vehicles. Learning emphasizes diagnostic problem-solving and quality service. Graduates work as service technicians, automotive mechanics, service advisors, and shop managers for dealerships, independent repair shops, and automotive service centers. Many establish independent service businesses.
Supply Chain & TransportationAutomotive Service
North Carolina's Automotive Service pathway prepares students for careers as automotive technicians in one of the state's largest employment sectors. The program covers diagnosis and repair of all major vehicle systems including engines, transmissions, brakes, electrical systems, and increasingly complex computer-controlled components. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific scan tools, and electronic service information systems. Many NC programs are ASE Education Foundation certified and provide training on both traditional internal combustion engines and emerging electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. North Carolina's large population and extensive highway system create strong demand for automotive technicians. The state's automotive sector includes major OEM facilities (like Toyota in the Triad) along with thousands of dealerships and independent repair shops providing diverse employment opportunities.
Trade and Industrial EducationWelding
North Carolina's Welding pathway prepares students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. The program covers multiple welding processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding, along with cutting techniques, blueprint reading, and metallurgy. Students develop skills in various welding positions and with different materials, from mild steel to aluminum and stainless steel. Training emphasizes weld quality, inspection procedures, and adherence to American Welding Society (AWS) codes. Many North Carolina programs have students complete actual fabrication projects for schools and community organizations, providing authentic learning experiences. North Carolina's manufacturing sector—including automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries—creates strong demand for skilled welders. The state's construction boom, particularly in urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh, further increases employment opportunities for welding graduates.
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