For individuals passionate about vehicles, the allure of customizing a car’s appearance, particularly its color, is undeniable. Achieving that flawless, eye-catching shade, however, is a craft that demands precision and expertise. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco addresses this demand head-on with its comprehensive Auto Collision and Management Technology program, specializing in refinishing. But does TSTC Waco repair cars for the public? The answer is nuanced, and centers around their commitment to hands-on training.
While TSTC Waco doesn’t operate as a public auto repair shop, their program is deeply rooted in practical experience. Students enrolled in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program at the Waco campus gain invaluable skills in auto body work and painting through a hybrid learning model. This approach combines online lectures with intensive, hands-on lab sessions directly on campus. According to William Graham, a program instructor, many students begin with no prior experience, stating, “Most students come in and never have held a paint gun or worked in a shop.” This highlights the program’s foundational approach, designed to take novices and mold them into skilled professionals.
Hands-on Refinishing Training at TSTC Waco
The cornerstone of TSTC Waco’s auto collision program is its emphasis on practical application. From day one, student safety is paramount. Working with automotive paints requires stringent safety protocols, and students are thoroughly trained in these procedures. As William Graham emphasizes, “All students wear personal protective equipment when working with paints, whether mixing or in paint booths. This involves a suit, respirator, gloves and glasses or goggles.” This commitment to safety is ingrained throughout the program.
The curriculum is structured to progressively build skills. The first semester focuses on the fundamentals, with students learning the essential techniques of using and maintaining a paint gun. This includes mastering cleaning procedures, understanding technical data sheets for spray products, and developing proficiency in color sanding and buffing. Moving into the second semester, students take ownership of their learning by purchasing their own paint guns. They delve deeper into the craft, learning to mix paint formulas and tackle real-world challenges such as scratch repairs and block sanding.
Philip McKee, the lead instructor for the program, points out a frequently underestimated aspect of auto painting: “some students are surprised at the mathematics and science involved in creating colors and painting.” This underscores the technical depth of the program, extending beyond just the artistic application of paint.
Curriculum Highlights: From Paint Guns to Color Theory
As students advance to the third and fourth semesters, the curriculum becomes even more specialized. Third-semester refinishing students are introduced to the nuances of water-based paint application techniques and blending methods. They expand their skillset to include painting on diverse materials like aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic, broadening their applicability in the industry. A crucial aspect highlighted by Graham is the importance of color matching: “each vehicle has its own manufacturer’s paint code, which means that students have to be careful in matching paint colors for refinishing work.” This detail-oriented approach is vital for professional-quality auto refinishing.
The fourth semester culminates in a deep dive into color theory. Students learn the science behind color perception, color interaction, and the art of tinting colors for seamless blending. This advanced knowledge equips them to handle complex refinishing tasks and color customization requests in the automotive industry.
Industry-Standard Paint and Certification
TSTC Waco’s program utilizes Sherwin-Williams paints, a recognized leader in automotive refinishing products. The program exposes students to both solvent-based and water-based paints. The initial semesters utilize solvent-based paints, transitioning to water-based paints in the later semesters. McKee explains the rationale: “They (the students) are getting introduced to both. It is not a culture shock when they go out into industry.” This dual approach ensures graduates are versatile and adaptable to industry standards.
While solvent-based paints offer faster application, water-based paints, used since the early 2010s at TSTC, present a different set of characteristics. Water-based paints have a longer evaporation process and require Venturi dryers to prevent a wet finish, as McKee notes. To further enhance student credentials, Sherwin-Williams conducts on-site certification classes in their Ultra 9K Waterborne Refinish System, providing students with industry-recognized qualifications.
Career Opportunities and Demand for Auto Body Repair Techs in Texas
Graduates of TSTC Waco’s Auto Collision program are entering a field with strong career prospects. The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website reported a median annual salary exceeding $46,000 for automotive body and related repairers in Texas in 2021. Metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land show particularly high concentrations of these professionals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022).
Looking ahead, the demand for skilled auto body repairers in Texas is projected to grow. CareerOneStop estimates that Texas will need over 13,000 automotive body and related repairers by 2030, underscoring the robust job market for TSTC graduates.
Explore Auto Collision Programs at TSTC Waco
While TSTC Waco doesn’t directly repair cars for the general public as a service, it excels at equipping individuals with the skills to excel in the auto collision repair industry. TSTC offers associate’s degrees in Auto Collision and Management Technology with specializations in refinishing and repair at both its Harlingen and Waco campuses. Certificate options and occupational skills achievement awards are also available, providing flexible pathways to enter this rewarding career.
For those interested in a hands-on career in auto body and refinishing, TSTC Waco provides a comprehensive and industry-relevant education. Registration for the fall semester is ongoing. For detailed program information, visit tstc.edu.
Source: TSTC
