Auto Collision Repair and Painting
El Camino’s Automotive Collision Repair/Painting degree and certificate programs set you on track to work in a collision repair environment right after graduation. You can specialize in structural and non-structural repair, painting and refinishing, damage appraisal, or insurance investigation. All of these careers can pay over $100,000/year. Collision repair is a dynamic, exciting, high-tech field that cannot be outsourced or performed by AI, making it a smart and stable choice for your future.
Career Outlook
Degrees & Certificates
18 units of general education classes
22 units of elective classes
20 units of ACRP, chosen from the list below: (ACRP 6 is intentionally not on this list)
24 units of classes taken from the list below:
24 units of classes taken from the list below:
For help with graduation planning and scheduling, contact a START Center counselor, or try out the Program Mapper.
For class descriptions, view the College Catalog here. The Schedule of upcoming classes can be found here.
Program Preparation
No experience is necessary to participate in auto collision classes.
Students do not need to bring or buy any tools.
Students are allowed to work on their own vehicles, but a project car is not required.
Tuition for classes is $46 per unit for CA residents. Click here to see all fees and costs.
Financial assistance is available in many forms. Click here for options.
Counseling and support services are available on campus at Student Services.
To find out more about collision repair and painting as a career, visit O*Net.
Bonus Opportunities
ACRP students can jumpstart their career and build their resume with the following opportunities:
- Collision Engineering paid apprenticeship program
- ASE Entry Level certification
- I-CAR Academy training
- CREF scholarships and career fair events (off-site link)
- SEMA scholarships (off-site link)
- Women’s Industry Network (WIN) scholarships (off-site link)
- LA Auto Draft student car show and flipped career fair (off-site link)
- CREF Art Meets Automotive competition (off-site link)
- SkillsUSA competition – coming soon
- Chief frame rack and 3D measurement training
- BASF Onyx refinishing training
ACRP Announcements
Earn and learn! ACRP is delighted to announce our partnership with Collision Engineering and will begin offering this 5-semester paid apprenticeship opportunity in fall, 2026. For information, visit the Collision Engineering page and plan to attend a student info session on June 16th, 6-8pm.
Did you know ACRP students can earn entry-level ASE certification while still in school? Topics include collision repair, painting, and auto technology. Contact [email protected] for schedule and details.
Coming fall, 2026! ACRP students can build their resume through I-CAR Academy training and certification.
Counselors
|
Valencia Rayford |
Victoria Martinez |
|
Journee Harvey |
Sergio Pineda |
Thank You for Your Support!
ACRP is forever grateful to our donors, industry partners, and advisory committee members. Thank you!
- Los Angeles I-CAR Committee
- Tania Piombetti, ItalMetric
- 1st Certified Collision Centers
- Tim Jackson, AAA
- Wesco
- Alfredo Ortiz, WSM
- Sherwin-Williams
- Danny Votel, PPX Reps
Hire a Student or Make a Donation
- To hire a student, please visit the ECC Warrior Jobs page to create a job listing.
- To mentor a Collision Engineering apprentice, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
- To donate a vehicle, parts, tools or materials, please contact [email protected]
- To join the ACRP Advisory Committee or contribute your thoughts, please contact [email protected]
Sorry, ACRP does not provide vehicle repair services to the public, but we’d love to have you join a class and bring your vehicle as your project. No experience is necessary, and student discounts are available for parts and supplies. Recommended classes: ACRP 6, ACRP 4A, or ACRP 5A.