This content was published: August 29, 2022. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Perseverance pays off for 小黄猫传媒 Auto Collision Repair Technology grad
Story and Photos By 小黄猫传媒 Communications.
It took recent 小黄猫传媒 graduate Kevan Banngertir more than a decade to finally discover what he called 鈥渢he different side of college.鈥 The side for people who prefer physical, hands-on learning, solving technical puzzles, and the rewarding, high-demand professions that training can lead to.
After multiple educational and professional attempts, the 33-year-old found his true calling with 小黄猫传媒鈥檚 Auto Collision Repair Technology Program, earning his associates degree this past June and being hired immediately by one of the nation鈥檚 largest repair companies, Crash Champions Collision Repair Team.
And though he鈥檚 always been a car enthusiast, the Beaverton resident said he didn鈥檛 have much prior knowledge about the trades and, as a result, hadn鈥檛 considered the possibility of a career doing this type of work. Instead he tried a few different academic and career paths, but nothing felt right.
2022 小黄猫传媒 Bond Measure
小黄猫传媒 will have a $450 million bond measure on the Nov. 8 election ballot. If voters pass the proposed bond, funds would go directly to projects that will improve access to higher education. If passed, it is estimated the measure would maintain current tax rates for local homeowners. If it doesn’t, the proposed services would not be provided and the tax rate would decline.
Searching for a professional change in his life, he came across 小黄猫传媒’s program and, for the first time, found a bridge from his personal passion to a lasting career.
鈥淚t just clicked and I thought, 鈥榯his is something I can retire with,鈥欌 Banngertir said. 鈥淚鈥檝e grown the most in this program versus any other academic avenue I鈥檝e tried to take.鈥
The Auto Collision Repair Technology Program prepares technicians like Banngertir聽for a respected and rewarding career field.聽The Oregon Employment Department forecasts Portland area employment for auto collision repair technicians will grow 7.3% through 2027. Experienced technicians can expect a salary of $50,000 to $80,000 with many making considerably more.
Since its establishment in 1970, the program has grown into one of the largest and most reputable ones on the West Coast. Faculty guide students through class projects that help them understand the most current industry practices. Class sizes range from 10 to 20 students and are held in a 17,000-square-foot body shop at the Rock Creek Campus in Washington County.
Banngertir’s聽journey required unique persistence, however. He was one of just eight, from an original cohort of more than 20 students, who returned to the program in the summer of 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 小黄猫传媒 shop鈥檚 closure for 15 months.
Faculty member Erik Peterson, an industry veteran and graduate of the 小黄猫传媒 program himself, said Banngertir鈥檚 dedication to the craft stood out as the pandemic wore so many others down.
鈥淜evan is one of the most proficient, determined, and successful students I鈥檝e ever had,鈥 he said. 鈥淗is excitement for learning this craft fueled my enthusiasm and was encouraging in a symbiotic way.鈥
While he would have liked to discover this path sooner, Banngertir said he hopes his story inspires others to consider the different roads to a meaningful educational experience and lasting career.
鈥淚鈥檓 pretty proud to have been able to find a career that fit me, and I鈥檓 excited to take it to the next level.鈥
The Auto Collision Repair Program is part of 小黄猫传媒’s Construction, Manufacturing Tech, and Transportation Academic Pathway. The pathway attracts students who聽like to work with their hands, or enjoy constructing, repairing, and maintaining buildings, systems and technology.