Learn to assess auto body damage and perform industry-standard surface and structural repairs, while working your way up to a B.C. trade certificate.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- How to review damage reports and estimates.
- How to analyze and diagnose structural damage.
- How to fix exterior damage and replace body components.
- How to fix interior seats, carpets and floorboards.
- How to inspect and test-drive vehicles for proper alignment and handling.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The technical training (25 weeks) generally takes 4 years to complete, alongside 6450 hours of work-based training. There is no maximum time to completion.
This program is offered in on-campus and online formats. On campus instruction may include hybrid (on campus/online) components. Each level must be completed in the format you registered for, but you may switch formats when starting a new level.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- A valid SkilledTradesBC ID number
- A current employer and sponsor. Note: Every registered apprentice has both an employer and a sponsor. The employer hires you and pays for your work; the sponsor commits to helping you get opportunities to learn on the job and reports on your progress. In most cases, the employer and sponsor are the same person or organization.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Program options for international students can be found 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.
- Before applying to VCC, you will need an official apprenticeship number with SkilledTradesBC. Use this ID number when enrolling at VCC.
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
- Analytical
- Coordinated
- Resourceful
- Systematic
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants who have relevant work experience (in B.C. or elsewhere) or previous trades training may be eligible to write challenge exams for levels of technical training through SkilledTrades BC.
Note: If you have completed ACRP 1101, ACRP 1102, or the Automotive Refinishing Foundation Certificate, you can go directly to Level 2.
Option 1: On campus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRP 1101 | Automotive Collision and Refinish Common Core Apprentice Level 1 | 9 |
| or ACRP 1102 | Automotive Collision & Refinish Common Core Apprentice Lvl 1 (E-pprentice) | |
|
or Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation Certificate
|
||
| ACAP 2002 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 2 | 8 |
| ACAP 3002 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 3 | 8 |
| ACAP 4002 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 4 | 8 |
Option 2: Online
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRP 1101 | Automotive Collision and Refinish Common Core Apprentice Level 1 | 9 |
| or ACRP 1102 | Automotive Collision & Refinish Common Core Apprentice Lvl 1 (E-pprentice) | |
|
or Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation Certificate
|
||
| ACAP 2003 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 2 (E-pprentice) | 9 |
| ACAP 3003 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 3 (E-pprentice) | 9 |
| ACAP 4003 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 4 (E-pprentice) | 8 |
* 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.
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All apprentice training is open for applications. Go to EducationPlanner BC and apply for the term that is open. You will be able to register in courses starting that term and future terms.
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