Auto Body Program

The auto body program at Southwest Texas Junior College prepares students for careers as a custom painter, technician, glass installation technician, welder, metal fabricator, or paint technician. The program focuses on applying technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct, and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Program courses include: structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating. Get more details below including other Texas colleges that offer auto body program.

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Southwest Texas Junior College

229 SW Military Drive, San Antonio, TX

Southwest Texas Junior College is located in Uvalde, Texas.  SWT Junior College was formally founded 1946; however interest in forming such a school dates as far back as 1926.  In the mid-1920's citizens in Uvalde and Sabinal had requested the establishment of a higher education institute to serve a large geographic area by locating the school in Uvalde.

The closure of the Army Air Force Flying School resulted in the citizenry working to maintain the property rather than see it dismantled.  By the end of that year citizens were granted permission to establish a junior college on the site.  The authorization to purchase the plot of land where the former Army Air Force Flying School was included in the project.

Since that time the school has expanded, offering a large selection of services and programs while meeting the educational needs of three counties. The board of directors was given the deed to the property by Uvalde in 1958.  Thus allowing the school to make its own decisions regarding construction, management, and expansion of the campus. Today, Southwest Texas Junior College flourishes while providing top quality education to its growing student body.

Academics

Southwest Texas Junior College offers a variety of programs dedicated to the development of professional skills and abilities for a given field or to the transfer of students to continue their educational growth.  Students wishing to transfer to a four year institution may do so by completing the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to complete their final two years and earn their bachelor's degree.

Public colleges and universities in Texas will have agreements in place with the school to make the transfer process guaranteed and easy, though transfer to a private or out of state institution may be pursued, but due to varying requirements for admission, may be more difficult.

Technical and career training programs typically take up to two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency in the studied field. This is accomplished through the use of traditional classroom and practical courses designed to provide a controlled environment for the development of skills and abilities relevant to ones area of desired employment. Graduates may pursue employment at the entry level upon completion.

Programs offered include:

• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing
• Wildlife Management
• Welding

Admissions and Financial Aid

SWTJC is an open enrollment institution, and as such allows any individual that wishes to enroll to do so by meeting minimum requirements for admission, submitting an application and paying all related fees. Students must also supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available, which may be used in lieu of a placement exam.

Students should participate in new student orientation in order to familiarize themselves with the campus and meet with a counselor prior to registration to discuss program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarship. Students requiring financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine need and aid program eligibility when forming the student's aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.

Students Enrolled in the Auto Body Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southwest Texas Junior College has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Description

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Description

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive body and related repairers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
  • Total Employment: 860
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.04
  • Average Annual Salary: $47910

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Description

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, automotive glass installers and repairers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.8% from 2014 to 2024

Painters, Transportation Equipment

Description

Operate or tend painting machines to paint surfaces of transportation equipment, such as automobiles, buses, trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes. Includes painters in auto body repair facilities.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, painters, transportation equipment employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
  • Total Employment: 450
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.98
  • Average Annual Salary: $45720

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).