Johnson College is launching an Automotive Collision Repair program this fall through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department, formerly known as Continuing Education. Developed in partnership with I-CAR, Toyota of Scranton, and Sherwin-Williams, the new program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in the automotive collision repair industry through foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.

The program includes 104 lessons and over 500 contact hours, combining flexible online coursework with in-person training at Toyota of Scranton. Students will gain essential skills in structural assessment, bodywork, welding, painting, frame straightening and refinishing. Total course cost is $5,200.

“Students won’t just learn in a classroom—they’ll be working directly in a professional collision repair shop,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of WAVE at Johnson College. “By the end of the program, graduates will be prepared to step into the workforce with industry-recognized training and job-ready skills.”

Throughout the program, students will follow actual repair orders from vehicle intake through final delivery, gaining real-world experience alongside expert technicians. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped for entry-level roles in the collision repair industry, supported by strong industry connections.

To be considered for admission, applicants must first be approved by Johnson College’s WAVE team. Once approved, applicants are required to submit a job application to Toyota of Scranton to begin the online training in partnership with I-CAR. Admitted students will receive paid, hands-on training in a professional collision repair shop.

For more information or to apply, visit johnson.edu/collision or contact our WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) Department is helping individuals and employers across northeastern Pennsylvania thrive in today’s fast-changing job market through innovative, hands-on training programs.

WAVE is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning, skill development, career advancement, and economic mobility. The department offers flexible, career-focused courses designed to equip learners with the tools they need to succeed in high-demand fields, empowering them to adapt to change and pursue long-term professional success.

“At WAVE, we believe education never stops,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of WAVE at Johnson College. “We’re creating opportunities for people to build new skills, grow their careers, and improve their lives, no matter where they are in their professional journey.”

WAVE also plays a critical role in strengthening regional industries. Through partnerships with employers across various sectors, the department delivers customized training solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. Programs are offered on-site at employer locations or at Johnson College’s campuses in Scranton and Hazleton. Flexible delivery formats include in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet diverse needs.

“WAVE is more than a training program, it’s a strategic resource for employers who want to stay competitive by strengthening their teams’ technical skills,” Bechaver said. “By working directly with industries, we ensure our curriculum aligns with the real-world challenges businesses face every day.”

Formerly known as Continuing Education, the WAVE department continues Johnson College’s commitment to workforce readiness and community impact, supporting both individual learners and the industries that drive the region’s economy.

To learn more about how WAVE can support your goals, contact wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.