Photo Credit: Amalia Fajardo, Sanford Senior & Grace Kenney, Traip Senior, Academy of Business
This is part of a series highlighting the career and technical education programs offered at Sanford Regional Technical Center.
When a damaged vehicle arrives at a collision repair shop, it takes skilled technicians to restore it to pre-accident condition. In Sanford Regional Technical Center's Auto Collision Repair Program, students spend two years learning exactly how to do that—mastering everything from initial damage assessment to final paint finish on real vehicles in a professional shop setting.
Instructor Jason Brown brings 36 years of auto collision industry experience to the classroom. A 1987 graduate of Northern Maine Technical Institute, Brown transitioned to teaching seven years ago, leveraging his extensive background and professional connections to create real opportunities for students. His industry relationships have helped place students in paid internships at local collision centers, with some continuing in those positions after graduation.
Students practice damage assessment, repair techniques, and refinishing on real collision work. The hands-on training allows them to develop professional skills while working on live projects that sometimes help community members, depending on the scope of repairs needed.
The program offers pathways to valuable industry certifications including I-Car, ASE, and SP/2 safety credentials that employers recognize and value. Student achievement is evident in competition results as well: since its inception, the program has earned 8 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals at SkillsUSA competitions. Among those achievements, 2025 graduate Brody Worth earned silver medals two years in a row—in Automotive Collision Repair Tool Identification and Collision Appraisal.
Worth reflected on his experience in the program: "I joined this program not knowing what I wanted to do after high school. I ended up loving the class."
After Brown helped him secure a paid internship at Moody's Collision Center during his senior year, Worth continues working there today. His advice to current students captures what makes the program special. "Use your time wisely and soak in every second of it because it goes by too fast and will be over before you know it,” Worth said.
Local collision repair businesses have strongly supported the program. Weirs is the Legacy program sponsor. Cabana's, Moody's, and Dryden's collision shops, along with Kemperle Supplies, also partner with SRTC to provide industry insight and career opportunities.
The collision repair industry continues to need skilled technicians, and this program equips students with the practical experience, professional certifications, and industry connections to succeed—whether they pursue further education or begin their careers immediately after high school.
The program welcomes donations of cars or car parts for student training. These contributions support hands-on learning for the next generation of collision repair professionals.