Get a full introduction to automotive collision and refinishing by learning to prime, repair, and finish damaged vehicles in VCC's state-of-the-art auto body shop.
What you will learn
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Adhere to industry health and safety standards in the repair and reconditioning of automotive vehicles
- Maintain tools and equipment to ensure top performance, safety and environmental compliance
- Perform cutting, welding and heating processes to industry and vehicle manufacturers’ standards
- Analyze vehicle conditions and documentation to develop organized repair plans
- Use communication techniques to build and maintain professional industry and customer relations<
- Remove and install vehicle components to manufacturers fit and finish standards
- Prepare surfaces for refinishing accounting for substrate conditions and manufacturers’ specifications
- Use repair materials and equipment in preparation for top-coat application in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications
- Perform top-coating procedures to achieve a variety of original equipment (OE) finishes
- Remove, repair and install metal panels and components to original contour, fit and finish
- Remove, repair and install plastic panels and components to original contour, fit and finish
- Perform automotive detailing tasks and inspect repaired vehicles according to quality assurance standards
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This full-time program is 35 weeks in duration and must be completed within 2 years.
This program provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning in classroom, shop and workplace settings. In addition to hands-on practical experience in VCC’s automotive collision repair and refinishing facility, instructional activities such as lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, and project based learning strategies may be used throughout the program.
Note: Students are required to purchase minimal basic tools and personal protective items early in the program. Approximate cost: $350.00
Admission requirements
Program-specific
1. Foundation Program:
- English 10 or equivalent
- Apprentice & Workplace Math 10 or equivalent; or 80% on the VCC Basic Arithmetic Assessment
or
- Department Leader approval based on relevant trade experience will be considered.
2. Youth Train in Trades Program:
- Greater Vancouver area High School students: Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers and counselors are directed to contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district.
- Regional B.C. High School students: Eligible regional B.C. high school students should apply to the Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation (E-pprentice) Certificate program.
- See the SkilledTradesBC Youth Train in Trades Program website for details (https://skilledtradesbc.ca/youth-train-in-trades-program).
Note: All students must have minimum basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer/mobile device.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Personal hygiene, grooming and appearance acceptable to a service industry;
- Good hand dexterity for operating equipment and machines;
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction;
- Good general health and respiratory condition;
- Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy parts and equipment as required by the program;
- Ability to tolerate noise and vibration;
- Mechanical aptitude and interest;
- Good hand-eye coordination;
- Good eyesight and colour vision;
- Good line, form and depth perception;
- Possession of valid BC driver's license.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRF 1100 | Occupational Safety | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1110 | Industry Readiness | 4.5 |
| ACRF 1120 | Construction and Components | 5 |
| ACRF 1130 | Tools, Equipment and Maintenance | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1140 | Welding, Heating and Cutting Steel | 3 |
| ACRF 1150 | Metal Panels and Components | 7.5 |
| ACRF 1160 | Plastic Panels and Components | 2 |
| ACRF 1170 | Organize, Document and Communicate | 2 |
| ACRF 1180 | Refinish Preparation | 6.5 |
| ACRF 1185 | Refinish Application | 4 |
| ACRF 1190 | Interior and Exterior Detailing | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 4144 | |
| Student union | 64 | |
| College initiative | 120 | |
| Materials | 430 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 166 | |
| Laundry | 477 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 85 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 354 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Youth applications (high school students in grade 10 and 11):
- Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers, and counselors are directed to contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district. Regional B.C. School Districts are directed to contact the VCC Auto Collision Repair Department for participation details.
- Greater Vancouver area High School students should apply to the Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation Certificate program.
- See the ITA Youth Train in Trades Program website for details.
Note: Youth Train in Trades cohorts commence in September & February.
General applications: apply below.
Get started