A needs assessment was conducted to determine job tasks relevant for entry-level auto body repairers as a basis for updating the Auto Body Program at Blackhawk Technical Institute (BTI). A survey was mailed to 86 local auto body shops, asking employers to rank 149 tasks in 11 duty areas in terms of importance and frequency performed. Study findings, based on a 37% response rate, revealed the following: (1) entry-level personnel were mainly involved in the repair and refinishing of auto body parts; (2) tasks within the duty areas of "handtools,""painting,""straightening," and "major body parts" accounted for 80% of the tasks rated as most important; (3) tasks related to the repair or replacement of auto components or systems were among the lowest rated; (4) the data confirmed the importance of general education to an auto body curriculum; (5) the single task rated as the most important and most frequently performed was from the duty area, "establish rapport with co-workers and customers." Based on study results, curriculum modifications were recommended with respect to content, sequence, and general education components. A literature review and the questionnaire are included. (LAL)