New Dual Credit Opportunity, Summer Camp in Collision Repair
ECCA juniors can earn 20 credit hours toward a Collision Repair certificate or AAS degree
High school students interested in collision repair have two new opportunities for training at Parkland College.
Officials from Education for Employment System #330 and Parkland College have decided to offer Collision Repair as part of the Early College and Career Academy, a dual credit program for high school juniors and seniors, starting in the fall. Teens can get a preview of this program by attending the new Collision Repair Summer Technology Camp offered by Parkland College Community Education this June.
A joint effort of EFE #330 and Parkland College, the ECCA provides high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn dual credit in eight different Parkland College program areas. Over 300 students have participated in the program since its inception in the 2015-2016 school year. More information is available at parkland.edu/ecca.
Students who begin the ECCA Collision Repair option as juniors can expect to earn 20 credit hours toward a Collision Repair certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree. The program features an overview of the collision repair industry with an emphasis on the repair process. Topics cover cost estimating and measurement systems, straightening unibody systems, restoring corrosion protection, outer panel protection, dent repair, door skins, quarter panels, and removing and installing fenders, doors, and decklids. Safety principles and practices within a collision repair shop setting will be strongly emphasized, with half of the instructional time spent in a lab environment to reinforce classroom material.
Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor for information on enrolling in the classes. ECCA students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The high school must grant permission for students to participate and may have their own program prerequisites.
Collision Repair Summer Technology Camp enrollment will open Monday, Feb. 18. The camp, for students ages 14 to 18, will run June 24-27, 9 am-noon. To register, visit parkland.edu/ceRegister.