HS
Get a full introduction to automotive collision and refinishing by learning to prime, repair, and finish damaged vehicles in a hybrid online/in-shop format. Available to British Columbia high school students.
What you will learn
Upon successful 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 program is offered over an 8-month period and may vary according to the requirements of regional School Districts. The program must be completed within 2 years.
This program provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning including:
- Scheduled and self-paced online theory assignments
- Online group discussions
- Hands-on practical lessons and lectures in the workplace, school, or VCC facility according to regional agreements.
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
- 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 SkilledTradesBC Youth Train in Trades Program website for details (https://skilledtradesbc.ca/youth-train-in-trades-program).
The following are essential requirements for student success in this program:
- Applicants must have minimum basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer/mobile device;
- Applicants must be responsive to active communications;
- Applicants must be self motivated and disciplined to complete online studies on a set schedule;
- Applicants must posses the ability and willingness to take responsibility for learning assignments issued during work experience sessions.
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 submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
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 1101 | Occupational Safety (E-pprentice) | 2 |
| ACRF 1110 | Industry Readiness | 4.5 |
| ACRF 1116 | Shop Experience (E-pprentice) | 12 |
| ACRF 1121 | Construction and Components (E-pprentice) | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1131 | Tools and Equipment (E-pprentice) | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1141 | Welding, Heating and Cutting Steel (E-pprentice) | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1151 | Metal Panels and Components (E-pprentice) | 6 |
| ACRF 1161 | Plastic Panels and Components (E-pprentice) | 1.5 |
| ACRF 1171 | Organize, Document and Communicate (E-pprentice) | 1.5 |
| ACRF 1181 | Refinish Preparation (E-pprentice) | 5 |
| ACRF 1186 | Refinish Application (E-pprentice) | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1191 | Interior and Exterior Detailing (E-pprentice) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 45.5 | |
Courses for this program are offered over one term and not necessarily in the order listed.
* 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 | 0 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 4490 | |
| Student union | 64 | |
| College initiative | 130 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 0 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 0 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
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 (E-pprentice) Certificate program.
- See the ITA Youth Train in Trades Program website for details.
154