Auto Body and Collision Technician

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.

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their training path. Details on the transition can be found via SkilledTradesBC, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.

Auto Body and Collision Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

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).

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

College of New Caledonia

Prince George - Main Campus

Sep 02 2025May 08 2026

Automotive Collision and Refinishing