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

What do you want to be when you grow up? Are you a teenager or adult who has absolutely no clue as to what you want to be or how to get there? Choose something that you really enjoy doing: Are you always styling someone’s hair for prom or social occasions? Do you enjoy people, listening to their wants, needs or problems?  Are you creative? Always keeping current with the latest styles and creating some of your own? If so, then maybe a barber/stylist program is something you should look into.

The Barber/Stylist program on the Raymond Campus of Hinds Community College prepares you to cut hair using shears and clippers, perm, color, relax and style hair. You will also receive training in facials and straight-razor shaving. Special attention is given to hygiene, safety, skin, scalp, and disease and equipment sterilization.

Included in the program is the study of sales, business management, and state law and customer relationships. Upon completing the program and its coursework, students will be qualified to take the State Barber Board certification examination.

What Barber/Stylists do?

Barbers/stylists perform a variety of tasks making it a versatile occupation. For example, barbers/stylists must concentrate on a client’s appearance and then provide hair and beauty services. Salon owners also are responsible for keeping business records, ordering supplies, advertising, as well as hiring, firing and supervising their employees. Additionally, they offer a wide variety of hair services such as shampooing, clipper and shear cutting, coloring and styling. 

• Recommend treatment by inspecting hair, face, and scalp,

• Discuss hairstyle options

• Wash, condition and color hair

• Cut or trim, dry, and style hair

• Clean and sanitize all tools and work areas

   

• Creativity
   
• Customer-service skills
   
• Listening skills
   
• Time-management skills

Will I Be Able To Find A Job?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers, hairdressers, cosmetologists, and shampooers is expected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020, as fast as the average for all occupations.

Students will find the Barber/Stylist program at Hinds Community College a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in the field of barbering. The program has an excellent reputation with local salons looking for talented and creative stylists and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Typical positions filled by students who have completed the program include barbers, hair stylists and shampooers. 

What Type of Degree Will I Receive?

Degree options in the Barber/Stylist Technology program include a Technical Certificate option and AASOE 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 of Occupational Education degree, a Technical 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. 

This CTE program is offered only at the Raymond Campus of Hinds Community College. For more information on this program, contact one of the program instructors:

 Dana Bowles (Dana.Bowles@hinsdcc.edu) at 601.857.3500

Cady Scott (Catherine.Scott2@hindscc.edu) at 601.857.3308 

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!

Student recipients of the “Outstanding Student Awards” presented on April 11, 2014 at Students Awards Day were selected by the faculty in the various departments across the district. Here on the Raymond campus our Career Technical Education students receiving awards are especially special to us and we would like to recognize their superior achievement within their subject area by letting you get to know them a little better. Here are a few of their instructors’ comments and thoughts from awards day concerning their students. 

John Mark Kirby - Agriculture

John Mark Kirby is the recipient of the “Outstanding Student Award” for Agriculture. While at Hinds he has been an active member of the HCC Agriculture Club and Phi Theta Kappa. Kirby is also a Dean’s Scholar. During his spare time, John Mark has participated in Intramural Sports at the college. John Mark is the recipient of a Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship and has assisted the Cattlemen’s Association with projects including helping with the Beef Booth at the Mississippi State Fair.

John Mark has started his own cattle herd and is responsible for the care and maintenance of the cattle and pasture that is required for them. After completing his degree at Hinds he plans to transfer to Mississippi State to continue his education in Agriculture Information Science. Dr. Roger Jones, Agriculture Department Chair and Instructor, said, “I am excited about his possible contributions to the Industry in the future.”

John Mark is the son of Lea and Tim Kirby of Raymond.  He is a graduate of Central Hinds Academy where he was All District in football and received the Cougar Spirit Award.  John Mark was an active member of the Hinds County Livestock Club for a number of years where he exhibited champion livestock at the Hinds County Livestock Show, Southwest Mississippi Show and Dixie National Roundup. He was president of the 4H Hinds County Livestock Club from 2010-2013. 

Tandon Baker - Agribusiness Management Technology

Tandon Baker is recipient of the “Outstanding Student Award” for Agribusiness Management Technology. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and HCC Agriculture Club. Tandon is a Dean’s Scholar with a cumulative GPA of 3.76.

Tandon plans to continue his education at a university majoring in Agronomy upon graduation from Hinds. His career goal is to become involved in the field of Agriculture Supplies and Sales. He has been awarded the Tallulah Mason’s Honesty and Integrity Award. Dr. Roger Jones, Agriculture Department Chair and Instructor said, “Upon getting to know Tandon it is not hard to understand why.  If you want his honest opinion on a topic, just ask him and that’s exactly what you get and you learn to appreciate that about him. I know his contributions in the field of agriculture in the future will be many.”

Tandon is the son of Vicki and John Edward Baker from Tallulah, Louisiana. He graduated from Tallulah Academy where he was All District and Defensive MVP in football. A multiple sport player, Tandon was also All District in baseball and basketball.  

Cory Pritchard - Aviation Maintenance

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program proudly recognizes Cory Pritchard with its Superior Achievement Award for 2013-2014. According to Marion Eifling, Air Frame Power Plant Instructor, 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. Cory Pritchard is pursuing his associate degree in AviationMaintenance Technology.  While a student at Hinds, he is also working as a full-time employee of L-3, an aerospace systems organization. As expected of all students in the program, he is of exceptional integrity, high moral character and a responsible individual with dependable work ethics. We selected this individual because of the initiative he takes as he participates in the classroom and hangar work projects. He can always be depended upon to be on time and present for work and accomplishes assigned tasks with skill and minimal supervision.  His quiet demeanor, dedication and professionalism are traits that make him stand out among his peers. 

Tracey Blocker - Interpreter Training Technology

Sandra Hester, Interpreter Training Department Chairperson, presented the Interpreter Training Technology “Outstanding Student Award” to Tracy Blocker. Tracy is what we call a “non-traditional” student but she is also oneof the most “traditional” students I have ever had the pleasure of having. While Tracey waited until her daughter was ready for college to return to pursue her own degree, Tracey wasn’t wasting time. And she doesn’t waste it now. With a 4.0 GPA and being a member of the PTK and very active in her church, Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she tries to do it all. And pretty much succeeds. She is a favorite with her teachers as well as her peers, due to her willingness to work and help others. Tracey has already taken the state exam for interpreters and has received a QA Level 2! She also has a job lined up after graduation, where else but here at Hinds as an interpreter with the Disability Support Services Office. She has worked hard and is now reaping the benefits. 

Craig Gilbert - Land Surveying

Jeff Lewis, Drafting and Design instructor and PLS, presented the “Outstanding Student Award” to Craig Gilbert. Craig is a Land Surveying Major in the Drafting and Design Program and will graduate in May. He is an exceptional student. He always gives 110% in all of his study efforts, which is reflected in his grades. He does everything to insure that he understands the material; including staying late, asking questions or anything else he feels can help him achieve his goals. Quick story:  The only time he didn’t do well on a test is after he met his current girlfriend Clair. He came into class looking all confused on test day. I asked him what’s wrong; he said “I think I’m in love”. That was not his best test grade.

He is the recipient of:

National Society of Professional Surveyors Berntsen International Scholarship.

• The Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors Scholarship.

• Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.

• Made the dean’s list every semester here at Hinds.

It has truly been a pleasure having Craig in the Land Surveying Program and we wish him only the best in his future endeavors. 

Automotive Machinist Technology…..Career training, credentials—and a paycheck in your pocket!

I was thinking…..what do you want to be when you grow up?  What about a career as an automotive machinist? Let’s take a moment of your time to explore this option and see if it might be a “good fit” for your skills and career goals. The automotive machinist would be hired to order to build, maintain, repair or rebuild engines. They have been trained to know how engines operate, diagnose problems, and make repairs. The job of the automotive machinist can vary somewhat depending on the type of engine, but generally, he or she will have all the skills and knowledge necessary to address any issues an engine might have. Occasionally, the automotive machinist may be responsible for creating new parts for an engine requiring the machinist to use computer numeric controlled machines. The machinist must be capable of working on both gasoline-powered and diesel-powered engines.

Employment Potential
Typical jobs filled by students who have completed the Automotive Machinist program include working for local automotive machine shops doing cylinder block work, cylinder head work, and tear down/inspection/assembly of automobile engines. Approximate salary range for beginning entry level employees would be around $12 per hour.

Possess these qualities….this might be the career for you! 

Analytical skills. They must understand highly technical electronic and written blueprints, models, and specifications, so they can craft precision tools and metal parts. 

Manual dexterity. The work of automotive machinists must be highly accurate machining parts to an accuracy of .0001 inch which requires workers’ precision, concentration, and dexterity.

Mechanical skills. Machinists must be mechanically inclined.

Physical stamina. The ability to endure long periods of standing and performing repetitious movements is important for machinists.

Technical skills. Machinists must understand computerized measuring machine.

For program information, contact Thomas McBrain at 601-857-3439 or TMcBrain@hindscc.edu or visit the Automotive Machinist Technology website.