WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

level. Graduates often work as service technicians, but they also can enter positions such as shop
foreman, service writer, parts person, farm and ranch hand, railroad worker, construction
repairman, as well as in positions of management for equipment rental and farm and home stores.
Normally, about five students participate in an internship each school year.
Auto Body
The Auto Body Technology curriculum also uses a multi-level completion tier. Students are eligible
for a Professional Skills Award at the end of one semester or after completing six to twelve hours in
specific areas. One-year certificates, two-year diplomas, or AOS degrees are included in the tier
approach. Each tier is based on the student successfully adding combinations of skills classes,
basic core classes, and related general education classes. Students take auto body courses for a
variety of reasons, from preparation for employment to personal interest related to restoring
antique cars or building hot rods. Auto body instruction is offered in the following areas:
1. Computerized laser measuring of full frame and unibody vehicles
2. Structural adhesives and plastic repair
3. Computerized color matching
4. Custom paint and air brushing
5. Dent removal
6. Computerized damage estimation and shop management
7. Automotive electronics and inflatable restraint systems
For those interested in working in the profession, the Auto Body curriculum prepares graduates for
favorable career opportunities. The average income for a skilled collision repair technician is
$51,312 per year, with the top 10% making an average of $88,460 annually (RR 93). The demand
for trained technicians is expected to increase by 12% between now and 2016 (RR 94).
The John N. Harms Advanced Technology Center
The HATC, located south across 27 th Street from the main building at Scottsbluff, contains a
current total of 76,276 square feet of space. It is WNCC’s newest facility, housing a wide array of
classrooms and training programs, such as those highlighted below:
1. The Creative Learning Systems Smart Lab assists students in identifying areas of
technology in which they may have an interest
2. The Entrepreneur Lab helps to create an all-encompassing entrepreneurial community
through assisting in the education and training of entrepreneurs of all ages. It also assists
existing small businesses in the area
3. The CISCO Networking Academy is a comprehensive e-learning program that provides
students with Internet technology training
4. The Design Technology program prepares students to be practicing professionals in the
design and development of interactive, multimedia, and software design systems for
business applications, using state-of-the-art development platforms
Western Nebraska Community College Page 125