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Automotive Collision Repair Technician - High School

INFO SESSIONS & TOURS   Transportation trades Next Date: May 21, 2013 more information »

Work on cars while earning high school credits. By the time you graduate from high school, you could be skilled in the automotive collision repair trade and ready to work and start an apprenticeship. VCC partners with schools in Vancouver and Burnaby to provide exciting career exploration and skill training programs. This credit program is currently offered to students attending secondary school in Vancouver School District 39 and Burnaby School District 41.

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply and Register Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses Check Course Schedule

Program Description

This eight-month program uses modern equipment and techniques to train students in a wide range of skills appropriate to today's advanced automobile collision repair industry. The program is divided into two levels, each containing a number of modules, which are grouped into major competencies.

Term 1

• Employ automotive body and collision repair welding techniques
• Describe the evolution of automobile bodies and identify autobody components and parts
• Identify and describe different shop tools and safety equipment of the autobody repair trade and use them safely
• Describe the characteristics of automotive fasteners and their typical uses in autobody repair procedures
• Describe and perform the various methods of fitting, adjusting, overhauling and installing autobody components
• Describe and employ sheet metal repair techniques
• Describe and employ the techniques of automotive frame repair
• Describe the characteristics of the automotive storage battery and its relationship to the electrical components of the automobile
• Employ refinishing techniques
• Describe and apply basic paint technology

Term 2

• Use shop tools and safety equipment of automotive body repair trade
• Fit and adjust panels in accordance with safety and manufacturers' standards
• Perform automotive electrical repairs related to collision damage
• Repair panels
• Repair minor collision damage
• Repair major collision damage
• Prepare vehicle for refinishing

Students of this program will receive:

1. Entry level trades training in automotive collision repair.
2. College credits resulting in a VCC automotive collision repair technician certificate.
3. 480 hours of work-based training credits towards Level 1 apprenticeship.
4. An opportunity to write the Level 1 technical exam.
5. Secondary school graduation credits.
6. An eight-week industry work practicum. The objective of the work experience is to place students in a challenging work environment requiring the application of the skills learned in the program. Students work side-by-side with a certified journey person.

Classes are generally held Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (subject to change).

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 8 months Certificate Broadway Full-time

Career Prospects

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1. Graduation from an appropriate career preparation program or meet the English and math requirements (English 11 or Communications 12) or equivalent.
2. Math 10 or equivalent.
3. Relevant trade experience is considered.

Recommended characteristics

Applicants are encouraged to spend up to one week in the program prior to applying to determine their suitability for the program and automotive collision repair industry.

Program Status

Accepting applications

VCC is accepting applications from international students.

Apply and Register

Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students are directed to contact the career program coordinator or administrator for their school district.
Applicants are invited to meet with two members of their school district and the head of VCC's auto collision department. This interview, which takes place in a high school within the school district, screens applicants as to their suitability for the program. Applicants are asked to bring a resume and letter of reference from a school counsellor or teacher to the interview.
Applicants are required to attend an information session at the Broadway campus. Parents and teachers are welcome.
Successful candidates will complete a VCC application and register for September.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee No fee $2,539.20

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $72.96 Student union fee $49.62 U-Pass $240 Other costs Material fee $263.04 Refundable tool and coverall deposit: $85 U-Pass $240 - no charge if at satellite campus

Additional Information

This program is eligible for ACE IT funding. Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (ACE IT) is a program of the Industry Training Authority of B.C. The ACE IT program provides secondary school districts with funds to pay tuition and other costs associated with industry training. The financial support provided by the ACE IT program may be used by school districts to financially assist individual secondary school students with paying for college while still attending high school. As funding from the ACE IT program may not cover all costs to attend college, students should check with their school or district as to the portion of the fees/costs they may be expected to pay.

VCC Automotive Collision Repair Technician scholarship information.

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