This content was published: August 29, 2022. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Perseverance pays off for PCC Auto Collision Repair Technology grad
Story and Photos By PCC Communications.
It took recent °µĶųTV graduate Kevan Banngertir more than a decade to finally discover what he called āthe different side of college.ā 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 PCCās Auto Collision Repair Technology Program, earning his associates degree this past June and being hired immediately by one of the nationās largest repair companies, Crash Champions Collision Repair Team.
And though heās always been a car enthusiast, the Beaverton resident said he didnāt have much prior knowledge about the trades and, as a result, hadnāt 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 PCC Bond Measure
°µĶųTV 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 PCC’s program and, for the first time, found a bridge from his personal passion to a lasting career.
āIt just clicked and I thought, āthis is something I can retire with,āā Banngertir said. āIāve grown the most in this program versus any other academic avenue Iāve tried to take.ā
The Auto Collision Repair Technology Program prepares technicians like BanngertirĀ for a respected and rewarding career field.Ā 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’sĀ 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 PCC shopās closure for 15 months.
Faculty member Erik Peterson, an industry veteran and graduate of the PCC program himself, said Banngertirās dedication to the craft stood out as the pandemic wore so many others down.
āKevan is one of the most proficient, determined, and successful students Iāve ever had,ā he said. āHis excitement for learning this craft fueled my enthusiasm and was encouraging in a symbiotic way.ā
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.
āIām pretty proud to have been able to find a career that fit me, and Iām excited to take it to the next level.ā
The Auto Collision Repair Program is part of PCC’s Construction, Manufacturing Tech, and Transportation Academic Pathway. The pathway attracts students whoĀ like to work with their hands, or enjoy constructing, repairing, and maintaining buildings, systems and technology.