The Auto Collision Repair Technology program offers Gadsden State students training that could result in job positions ranging between $21.94 an hour to $33.98 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

“The greatest thing about getting your training at Gadsden State is many of our graduates go straight into the workforce to work in auto collision repair,” said Bruce Hill, the instructor on the East Broad Campus. “They work for automotive repair and maintenance shops, car dealerships or wholesalers of automobiles.”

The Auto Collision Repair Technology program offers a short-term certificate, a certificate and an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program is designed to prepare students to be skilled technicians with the latest techniques and practices used in automotive repair.

“The curriculum is designed to give the students a broad understanding of the profession, which includes refinishing automobiles, panel repair or replacement, collision damage estimating, structural repair, glass work and trim work,” said Brandon Patterson, the instructor on the Ayers Campus.

For more information, call Hill at 256-549-8617 or Patterson at 256-835-5425.

Visitwww.gadsdenstate.edu/technical/auto-collision-repair-technology.

Those who have critical reasoning skills, enjoy working with their hands and have a desire to learn more about the mechanics of building should consider a career in the construction industry. Gadsden State has a fast-paced program in Construction Technology, which offers a basic short-term certificate and advanced short-term certificate.

“The construction industry has high employment projections and is expected to see substantial growth over the next few years,” said Heath McDaniel, Construction Technology instructor on the Valley Street Campus.

Construction occupations are expected to grow by 11 percent in the next 10 years. That’s faster than the 7 percent average forecast for all occupations. However, the lack of skilled professionals in the industry is a problem and is one point of concern for future growth, according to Construct Connect.

“The jobs are there but firms are having trouble finding qualified workers,” he said. “With industry growth and the difficulty in filling positions, it’s a good time to set yourself up in a career in construction.”

The Construction Technology Program is designed to equip students who successfully complete the program with the necessary skills to qualify for a position in residential or commercial construction.

“Prospective employees have many different roles to choose from,” McDaniel said. “If you have good problem-solving skills and have the ability and interest of working with a range of tools and materials, Construction Technology may be for you.”

For more information, call McDaniel at 256-549-8675 orvisit www.gadsdenstate.edu/technical/construction-technology.