01
Body & Paint
Body panels, surface prep, rust repair and dent pulling, patch and panel replacement and fitment, basic welding, fillers, adhesives and sanding to paint-ready.
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) · Burbank, CA
Build the skills the industry is missing.
A free, 12-week, hands-on program inside West Coast Customs. Train across every department of a working custom shop and graduate ready for a career in automotive.
$0Tuition for selected applicants
12 weeksMonday – Thursday, hands-on
6Shop departments covered
Fall & SpringLimited spots each semester
Our mission
Empowering people today, with automotive careers for tomorrow.
West Coast Customs has spent more than 30 years in the automotive industry, and we're watching it change fast: electric vehicles, new materials, new production methods. Many of the skills a modern shop runs on aren't taught in today's education programs.
West Coast Customs Academy exists to close that gap. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every donation goes toward hands-on training, industry mentorship and the skills that turn interest into a career.
The curriculum
Students learn from every department.
Rotate through the same six departments that build West Coast Customs vehicles, taught by the people who work in them.
02
Composite Materials
Plastics and plastic forming, fiberglass pattern and mold making, and composite part production, with advanced work in carbon fiber.
03
Wood Fabrication & Electronics
Automotive wiring, routing and repair; audio design and install including enclosures, head units, amps and speakers; interior and exterior lighting.
04
Upholstery
Full custom interiors from design and patterns to sewing leather, suede and cloth, plus door panels, carpet, headliners and foam work.
05
Wrap & Tint
Vinyl materials, finishes and manufacturers; surface prep, full and partial wraps, graphics, removal and long-term care.
06
Wheels, Tires & Suspension
Mounting, balancing, load ratings and rotation; shocks, sway bars, coilovers, four-links, air bags, sub-frame connectors and axles.
How it works
Free to attend. Built for the LA area.
The Academy is open to anyone in the greater Los Angeles area with a real interest in the automotive industry. No prior experience is required. Spots are limited each semester.
- Length
- 12 weeks
- Semesters
- Fall and Spring
- Schedule
- Monday – Thursday
- Tuition
- Free for selected applicants
- Who can apply
- Greater Los Angeles area residents
Behind the scenes: the faces of our Academy
Students, instructors and mentors
Bell Fund Fundraiser
Fund the next generation of builders.
Most of every gift goes directly to student education. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Tax ID 93-2756478.
Ways to give
- Cash, check or card
- Vehicles
- Company gifts
- Securities
- Donor-advised funds
- IRA rollovers
- Cryptocurrency
- Planned giving
Questions about giving? Email wccacademy@westcoastcustoms.com
Partners
Backed by the brands in our shop.
Interested in partnering with the Academy? Contact us at Lorenzo@westcoastcustoms.com or Phil@westcoastcustoms.com.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does the program cost?
Tuition is free for selected participants. Spots are limited each semester.
Who is eligible?
Anyone interested in the automotive industry who lives in the greater Los Angeles area.
How long is the program?
Twelve weeks, offered in Fall and Spring semesters, with classes Monday through Thursday.
How can my company partner with the Academy?
Email info@westcoastcustoms.com and our team will follow up.
Contact
Visit the shop.
HoursMonday – Friday8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone1-818-237-1287