Meet Evelyn Dorman, a senior from Susquenita High School in the Automotive Collision Technology (ACT) Program at CPACTC. Driven by a desire for new challenges, she chose CPACTC to explore a hands-on career path and has since discovered a passion for painting vehicles. Currently employed in a Co-Op Capstone experience at Major’s Select Collision Center, Evelyn values the opportunity to gain real-world experience. “I wanted to get on-the-job experience before graduating,” she explained. Major’s Select Collision Center was an easy choice due to its strong reputation in the Automotive Collision industry. As a Paint Preparation Technician, Evelyn plays a crucial role in ensuring vehicles are ready for painting after bodywork is completed. “I love working on whole vehicles instead of just spare parts,” she shared, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from being part of the entire repair process. While Evelyn thrives in this environment, she also faces challenges, particularly the pressure of delivering a flawless finish on customer cars. “Knowing that the final product has to be perfect is both exciting and daunting,” she noted. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Automotive Collision Repair Industry is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade, reflecting an increasing demand for skilled technicians. With an average annual salary of around $47,000, this field offers promising opportunities for graduates. Looking ahead, Evelyn aims to master the necessary skills through her capstone experience and plans to work full-time after graduation. Her advice for students considering co-op opportunities… “be responsible while at CPACTC.” We’re excited to see where Evelyn's journey in the automotive collision industry will take her!
