You can not help but be amazed at the number of cars and trucks on our streets and roads. That also means that a few of these vehicles get dents, dings, rust, and occasionally seriously crunched. That means there is a huge need for auto body technicians. To fill that career need the Nebo School District offers a two-year Auto Body Collision and Repair course that can earn UVU college credit. The first year is basic repair and painting and the second year is advanced techniques repair and welding. Students from SFHS as well as the other 5 high schools in the school district can enroll in the program. Each class has 25 students and with one exception, a student from Mapleton High School, all the current students are from Spanish Fork High School.
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My Jeep had a rust issue at a seam in the left front fender that I wanted taken care of before it got worse. The advanced class was looking for a project like that to work, and I decided to let them take on the project. All I would have to pay for was the cost of materials. The only hitch is you cannot be in a hurry, the time estimate was 4 to 5 weeks to fix the fender and repaint the hood whose clear coat was peeling off. They did agree to have it finished for the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. Under the careful supervision of Chet Harmer the auto body instructor, the senior students got the job done and it looks great. I understand they only take on about four projects a year like this and I am glad I gave the students a chance at a real-world rust repair project. I am proud to show off the professional work of our local high school students. It is also good news to see these kinds of vocational courses being offered to meet college credit and the hiring needs of the collision repair businesses of Utah.
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Photo: Ed Helmick
