Hinds Community College Blog

Collision Repair Technology

What do you want to be when you grow up? If you've ever wanted to know how to repair a damaged vehicle, you might want to consider the Collision Repair Technology program at Hinds Community College! Collision Repair Technology is an instructional program designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the Collision Repair and Refinishing trade by combining classroom instruction and practical laboratory experiences using equipment comparable to that found in industry. Students will be provided learning experiences in repair and refinish work beginning with basic applications and progressing on to heavy collision repairs requiring major body and frame alignment and panel replacement. The instruction includes all phases necessary to perform collision repair including glass replacement, welding, and replacement of hardware and trim items, cosmetics, and structural repairs. In all course activities, you'll find an emphasis on safety. The latest, most advanced equipment and repair techniques are used and your classes will incorporate NATEF curriculum. 

What Do Collision Repair Technicians Do?

Collision repair technicians repair and fix damaged bodies and body parts of automotive vehicles according to the manufacturer's specifications. These vehicles include cars, vans, trucks, buses, campers, and trailers. 

Collision repair technicians:

• Provide estimates for repair

• Remove small dents with a hammer, pick hammer, or punch

• Straighten bent or twisted frames

• Weld metal parts

• Remove parts to gain access to vehicle body and fenders

• Remove, repair, or replace body parts, doors and/or fenders

• Fill damaged areas with solder or plastic body fillers

• File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces

• Refinish with a primer coat, sand and paint with a finish coat

• Align wheels and aim headlights

 

Possess These Qualities?  This Might Be The Career For You!

• Critical thinking skills. Repair technicians must be able to evaluate vehicle damage and determine if the repair cost is justified.

• Customer service skills. Repair technicians must be courteous and ready to answer questions customers might have. 

• Detail oriented. Repair technicians must restore damaged vehicles to their original state.

• Dexterity. Repair technicians must have good hand-eye coordination. 

• Technical skills. Repair technicians must know which tools and power equipment are appropriate for certain procedures and repairs.

What About The Job Forecast?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities for automotive body and glass repairers are expected to grow 19% through 2020. The best prospects will present themselves to those with industry certification and formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing and in collision repair. New job opportunities will be created for qualified workers with knowledge of specific technologies, materials, as well as makes and models of cars. 

The program has an excellent reputation with local firms looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program include apprentice positions as body, frame, and refinish technicians

What Are My Degree Options?

Degree options in the Collision Repair Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Rankin, Raymond, and Utica campuses of Hinds Community College. For more information regarding the Raymond Campus Collision Repair Technology program, contact Ovid Vickers at 601.857.3252 (OSVickers@hindscc.edu).

For other campuses in the district, you may use the contact information below:

Rankin Campus - 601.936.5532
Utica Campus – 601.885.6062

Business & Office Technology

What do you want to be when you grow up? Are you organized, detail-oriented and can develop a plan of action before beginning a task? Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills? Are you confident and enjoy working with people? If you have any of these characteristics, you might want to consider the Business and Office Technology program at Hinds Community College!

Every business, large and small, reaps the benefits of well-trained, competent office support staff. As the role of the office professional evolves, the reliance on technology continues to expand in the business environment. Business & Office Technology (BOT) programs help to meet the constant demand for office positions in the fields of Accounting Technology and Office Systems Technology.

The courses in the BOT program have been planned to accommodate a variety of needs and career paths while offering an interactive education in an inviting and pleasant environment. Students will benefit from professional faculty, small class sizes and laboratories equipped with the current technology and software. 

What Do Office Support Staff Do?

Secretaries and administrative assistants ensure an organization runs efficiently by performing a variety of necessary clerical and administrative duties. They create spreadsheets, manage databases and prepare presentations, reports, and documents with the use of computer software. They may also negotiate with vendors, buy supplies and manage stockrooms. Secretaries and administrative assistants also operate videoconferencing, fax and other office equipment. Specific job duties vary by experience, job title and specialty.

Hinds Community College students with a degree in Business and Office Technology can obtain the following positions:

• Administrative Assistant

• Executive Secretary

• Office Assistant

• Record clerk

• Entry level accounting position
  
   

What About The Job Forecast?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of administrative assistants is among those occupations with the largest number of new positions. Employment of secretaries and administrative assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022.  Median annual earnings are $35,330 with the hourly media pay reported as $16.99 per hour. Many job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The best job prospects will exist for those with a combination of work experience and computer skills. 

What Will You Gain From Obtaining A Degree In Business & Office Technology?

• Broad overview of all office functions while obtaining the opportunity to investigate the integration of systems through people and technology

• Exposure to career options available within the office that involve the coordination of people, equipment and resources

• Opportunity to develop the relationship between worker and supervisor

• Concentration of skills in a specific area

What Are My Degree Options?

Degree options in the Business and Office Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

Need More Information?

 

This program is located on the Jackson, Rankin, Raymond, and Vicksburg campuses of Hinds Community College. For more information on the Accounting and Office Systems options of the Business Office Technology program located on the Raymond campus, contact Vanessa Spann at 601.857.3522 (Vanessa.Spann@hindscc.edu).

For other campuses in the district, you may use the contact information below:

Accounting Technology: 
Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center - 601.987.8122
Rankin - 601.936.5565
Raymond - 601.857.3522
Vicksburg-Warren - 601.629.6881

Office Systems Technology:
Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center - 601.987.8122
Rankin - 601.936.5565
Raymond - 601.857.3522
Vicksburg-Warren - 601.629.6881

What do you want to be when you grow up? You might need to get past thinking “what pays the most” and think about what drives you. What are your real interests and passions in life?  Are you creative? Do you possess dexterity, physical strength, and stamina? Do you have a command of basic math skills? If you said answered "yes" to any of the previous questions, you might want to consider the Brick, Block and Stonemasonry Technology program at Hinds Community College.

The Brick, Block, and Stonemasonry program offers learning experiences in the following areas:

• laying out and/or spacing bonds

• determining vertical and horizontal alignment of various walls using proven techniques

• cutting, notching, and shaping blocks, bricks, and stone to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches, and fireplaces. 

All types of masons are involved in the construction of durable buildings and exteriors. Their work is varied, and could be as simple as laying a stone path or as complicated as installing an elaborate surface on a major downtown building. Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stones to build fences, walkways, walls, and other structures.

 There are two main types of masons:

• Brickmasons, blockmasons, and bricklayers use various types of brick and block as well as other materials to construct and maintain walls, exteriors, fireplaces, walkways, etc., out of brick or block.

• Stonemasons generally construct floors, fences, walls, or exteriors for residential or professional buildings.  They use many types of stone, including both natural cut stone and manmade stone. 

Masons can: 

• Read blueprints to calculate materials needed

• Lay out foundations or patterns

• Safely cut or break bricks, stones, or blocks to their appropriate size

• Mix and place mortar and/or grout

• Lay bricks, blocks, or stones according to blueprints or drawings

• Safely clean excess mortar using chemical cleaning agents

• Construct corners with a corner pole or by building a corner pyramid

• Ensure that a structure is perfectly vertical and horizontal, using methods consistent with industry techniques

• Clean and polish surfaces with the safe use of  hand or power tools

• Fill expansion and contraction joints with the appropriate caulking materials

• Layout and construct walls with expansion and control joints

What About Job Opportunities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of masons is projected to grow 40 percent from 2010 to 2020. This growth is due to an increase in population, which will create a need for infrastructure such as new home construction, schools, hospitals and apartment buildings. The masonry workforce is growing older and a large number of masons are expected to retire over the next decade. As a result, a shortage of workers is expected. Highly skilled masons with a good job history and work experience in construction should have the best job opportunities.

Students will find the Brick, Block, and Stone Masonry program a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the construction industry. The program has an excellent reputation with local firms looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program include laborers, mason tenders, apprentice brick masons, block masons, and stonemasons (or, simply, masons). In addition, many are self-employed contractors. 

What Are My Degree Options?

Degree options in the Brick, Block, and Stone Masonry program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and/or license/certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

Need More Information? 

This program is offered at the Raymond and Utica campuses of Hinds Community College.  For more information, contact Dennis Quertermous (Raymond Campus) at 601.857.3376 or Rodney Warfield (Utica Campus) at 601.885.7009. 

 

Biomedical Technology

What do you want to be when you grow up? When trying to choose a career, the most important thing you can do is to pick one that is right for you. Sounds easy doesn’t it? It’s not! When searching you need to find something that fits with your interests, aptitudes, and personality. Why? Chances are you will be satisfied with your choice and enjoy going to work. Let’s take a look at the Biomedical Technology program and see if it might be a “good fit” for you.

The Biomedical Technology program prepares individuals to become responsible for testing, repairing, and maintaining equipment used in hospitals and other medical environments by providing classroom instruction and laboratory experiences using equipment comparable to that found in industry. A graduate of this program should possess the capability of working and communicating with Biomedical Engineers, Biomedical Service Administrators, and other medical personnel.

What Medical Equipment Technicians Do? 

Medical Equipment Technicians also known as biomedical equipment technicians often test and calibrate a variety of equipment used in hospitals, eye doctor and dentist offices as well as private health providers. Included but not limited to the equipment they may diagnose and repair are electric wheelchairs, CAT scanners, ultrasound equipment and defibrillators. 

These technicians may use hand tools, electronic tools and computers to repair equipment.  Several pieces of equipment that they repair and maintain require them to use specialized software to adjust the machines.  In addition, they often perform routine scheduled maintenance on complex medical devices used by specialty practitioners. 

Because repairs occasionally must take place while equipment is being used, medical equipment repairers must be comfortable working around patients in a hospital setting.  Technicians must ensure that patients are not disturbed in this situation. 

Essentially, medical equipment technicians typically do the following:

• Test and calibrate equipment and parts
• Replace and repair parts
• Perform preventive maintenance
• Record maintenance and repairs
• Regularly attend training sessions
• Review technical manuals
• Demonstrate and explain correct operation of medical equipment

Can I Find A Job After Graduation?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical equipment technicians is expected to grow 31 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. That’s pretty impressive isn’t it? Just as impressive is the national median average for persons employed in this field, $45,000. Potential employees who have an associate’s degree in biomedical technology should have the best job prospects along with applicants willing to relocate to rural areas. 

The Biomedical Technology program at Hinds Community College is a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the biomedical field. The program has an excellent reputation with local healthcare providers looking for skilled technicians. Typical positions filled by students who have completed this program include biomedical equipment technicians (BMET). Placement of students who complete the program is a top priority for instructor Jacob Wright.

Possess These Qualities?  This Might Be The Right Career Choice For You!

• Dexterity
• Mechanical skills
• Stamina
• Technical skills
• Time-management skills
• Troubleshooting skills

Degree Options:

Degree options in the Biomedical Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option.

This CTE program is offered only at the Raymond Campus of Hinds Community College.  For more information on this program contact the program instructor, Jacob Wright at Jacob.Wright@hindscc.edu or give him a call at 601.857.3421!

What do you want to be when you grow up? Choosing a career path is not only exciting but it can be tricky. Marion Eifling, Air Frame Power Plant Instructor, believes that students in Aviation Maintenance are unique. Usually, from a young age, they have had a desire to be around airplanes, leading them to a professional career in the aerospace industry. 

Today’s aircraft are highly complex machines that require reliable parts and service to fly safely. To keep an aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They must follow detailed federal regulations set by the FAA that dictate maintenance schedules for a variety of different operations.

Many technicians are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, piston-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, airframe components, hydraulics, or electrical system of a particular aircraft. In independent repair shops, technicians usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft.

Most technicians who work on civilian aircraft have either one or both of the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificates. Technicians who have these certificates are authorized to work on most components of aircraft, excluding flight instruments and major work on propellers and turbine engines. Maintaining a plane’s electronic flight instruments is typically the job of specialized avionics technicians.

So What Does An Aircraft Mechanic Do?

• Inspection, repair and replace defective aircraft parts
• Diagnose electrical or mechanical problems
• Identify repair procedures as per maintenance manuals
• Repair aircraft components including wings, brakes, and electrical systems
• Use hand or power tools to replace defective parts
• Use gauges and other diagnostic equipment to test aircraft parts
• Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
• Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Air traffic is expected to gradually increase over the coming decade.   Competition for aircraft and avionics technician jobs varies with the best job opportunities available for technicians who hold an A&P certificate and have knowledge about the most cutting edge technologies and composite materials. Familiarity with computers and digital systems will help provide the best opportunities.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Hinds Community College has an excellent reputation with the aerospace industry seeking skilled technicians. Placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical job placement in this field can be found with Dean Aviation, L-3 Vertex, Eaton Industries, MARC, Inc., regional airlines and National Guard aviation units. Employment possibilities are world-wide.

Do You Possess These Qualities? 

• Agility.
• Detail oriented.
• Dexterity.
• Observational skills.
• Troubleshooting skills.

If So This Might Be The Career For You!

Degree Options:

Aviation Maintenance Technology is an instructional program designed to provide specialized training in all areas of aircraft maintenance to prepare individuals to inspect, repair, service, and overhaul aircraft engine and airframe components and systems. Aircraft and avionics technicians inspect, repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. This program is designed to prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration examinations for certification as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

Degree options in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program include a Career Certificate option, Technical Certificate option and AAS Degree option. All program options are written to nationally recognized, industry-based certifications. The goal is for the student to earn a “credential of value” during their time at the community college. That “credential of value” is the Associate of Applied Science degree, a Technical Certificate, a Career Certificate, and FAA A&P certification recognized by business and industry. The credential should be a step along a career pathway offering students ongoing opportunities to increase their earning potential in the job market. 

“The airplane is just a bunch of sticks and wires and cloth, a tool for learning about the sky and about what kind of person I am, when I fly. An airplane stands for freedom, for joy, for the power to understand, and to demonstrate that understanding. Those things aren't destructible. “- Ricard Bach