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.