Auto Body allows students to analyze and repair structural and non-structural vehicle damage. This course also covers: mechanical and electrical repair, plastics and adhesives, refinishing techniques and procedures, and management/operation of a privately owned business.
What We Do
Shop vehicles, student vehicles, and customer vehicles are the projects used in the class. A welding enrichment course is included in the curriculum. In addition, students are introduced to automotive electrical systems.
Program Instructor
Brett Hudson
Bret Hudson joined Stafford in August 2018. Bret grew up in Central Vermont and currently resides in his childhood home with his own family now. He has worked in local autobody shops and discovered his passion for building cars. He opened his own business and has been running Hudson’s Autobody for 12 years now. Bret’s favorite part of the autobody industry is building custom cars specializing in Volkswagens. Bret spends his summers traveling up and down the East Coast with his friends and family to Volkswagen and Audi car shows to show off some of his work.
[email protected]
770-1048
Scott Herdling
Scott Herdling Joined Stafford in November 2018. Scott was born and raised in Connecticut then in his early 20’s moved to Vermont to pursue a career working on automobiles. For 18 years Scott worked on automobiles in the aspect of customizing, mobile electronics, audio & video and detailing. One of Scott’s biggest accomplishments was having the show car that he built over 8 years be featured in an international magazine.
In his spare time, Scott also owns his own automotive brand and runs a European car show held every year at the local Fairgrounds. Through this show, Scott has been able to raise almost $10,000 over the past 3 years for an automotive charity he is involved with. Scott has also owned his own successful photography business for the past 12 years.
[email protected]
Ryan Eastman, Class of 2014
I attended Stafford for my passion of working on cars. It helped put me a step ahead, when I began my career at a body shop. Some of my best memories were competing at SkillsUSA and winning gold medal.
Program Advisory Committee
Name | Business |
---|---|
Bob Kulig | A & J Auto Parts |
Mark Brown | Brown’s Auto Salvage |
Cg Morey | Crash Palace Collision |
Steve Betit | Precision Auto Body |
Gary Jones | Wayne’s Body Shop |
Tom Lilly | Tom’s Auto Recon |
Mike Parker | Parker’s Classic Auto Works |
John Turco | Turk’s Auto Body Inc. |
Matt Beraldi | Beraldi’s Collision Repair |
Certifications
Axalta Paint Certification, SEMS Plastic Repair Certification, S/P2 Safety & Pollution Prevention Certificate, American Heart Association HeartSaver® First Aid/CPR with AED, Students completing 90% of the Core Competencies will receive a certificate from Stafford Technical Center.
Average Career Salaries
Jobs | Average Salary |
---|---|
Auto Detailing | $26,429 |
Auto Body Shop Manager | $52,772 |
Auto Body Shop Estimator | $53,378 |
Auto Insurance Appraiser | $66,540 |
Auto Body Repair Technician | $59,223 |
Glass Repair and Replacement | $42,350 |
*Average US Salaries taken from Zip Recruiter, Indeed and Occupational Outlook handbook, 10/2020.
Requirements For This Program
Recommended Prerequisite(s): an understanding of basic algebra and geometry as well as the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; basic customary and metric measuring skills; ability to perform physical labor on the job site and in the classroom; competency with fine and gross motor skills, and attention to detail; ability to be self-directed.
Reading Level of course materials: Grade 10.6
Scales for standards assessed