Auto Body and Collision Technician

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their program path. Details on the transition can be found via SkilledTradesBC, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.
This trade is also referred to as Motor Vehicle Body Repairer. The work includes hammering out dents, buckles and other defects, removing damaged fenders, panels and grills and straightening bent frames. Some components may need to be removed for access during repairs. Vehicle components that are damaged beyond repair are replaced. The alignment and replacement of suspension and steering components are also performed in this trade. Technicians may work with mechanical and electronic components such as air conditioning, exhaust, drivetrain, engine cooling, and passenger-restraint systems, plus advanced electronics such as cruise control and lane-departure systems.
This work is done as preparation for filing, grinding, sanding and painting the repaired exterior and interior body surfaces. Once these repairs are completed, technicians inspect vehicles for dimensional accuracy and test drive them to ensure proper alignment and handling. Technicians must be willing to continually learn because new vehicles often include new alloys, metals and plastics in their construction.
Auto Body and Collision Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
Other programs in this sector:
Recommendations
Mechanical inclination, attention to detail, and good manual dexterity is recommended, plus good colour vision.
The following education is recommended: Grade 10 or equivalent (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, Science 10.
The Apprenticeship Program is comprised of a common Level 1 for both Automotive Collision and Refinishing trades, with the in-school portion taking 7 weeks (210 hours) to complete. This is followed by Levels 2-to-4 of progressive technical training, with each Level requiring 6 weeks (180 hours) of in-school training. In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 6,450 hours of work-based training.
A Foundation Program can jump-start your career without employer sponsorship by supplying the knowledge and skills to enter directly at Level 2 (refer to SkilledTradesBC for alternative pathways into the occupation).
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PROGRAM TYPES
Institution | Campus | Program | Contact Institution | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Okanagan College | 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Apr 25 2022–Jun 03 2022 | Auto Body and Collision Technician |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
VCC | Broadway Campus | Jul 24 2023–Sep 01 2023 | Auto Body Apprenticeship (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
BCIT | BBY - Burnaby | Sep 05 2023–Oct 12 2023 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice (Harmonized) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Sep 11 2023–Oct 20 2023 | Auto Body Apprenticeship (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Oct 30 2023–Dec 15 2023 | Automotive Collision and Refinishing Apprentice (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Jan 02 2024–Jun 28 2024 | Auto Collision and Refinishing E-apprentice (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Jan 02 2024–May 03 2024 | Auto Body Apprenticeship HL E-apprentice | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Jan 02 2024–Apr 09 2024 | Auto Body Apprenticeship (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
BCIT | BBY - Burnaby | Jan 08 2024–Feb 22 2024 | Automotive Collision and Refinishing Common Core Apprentice (Harmonized) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Jan 08 2024–May 31 2024 | Auto Body Apprenticeship HL E-apprentice | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
VCC | Broadway Campus | Feb 20 2024–Apr 05 2024 | Automotive Collision and Refinishing Apprentice (HL) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
BCIT | BBY - Burnaby | Mar 04 2024–Apr 11 2024 | Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice (Harmonized) | |
Institution | Campus | Date | Program | Contact |
College of New Caledonia | Prince George - Main Campus | Mar 25 2024–May 03 2024 | Auto Body and Collision Technician (Harmonized) |
Institution | Campus | Program | Contact | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Okanagan College | 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Apr 25 2022–Jun 03 2022 | Auto Body and Collision Technician |