Apply technical knowledge and skills in the adjustment, maintenance, part replacement, and repair of vehicles.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Auto Body and Collision Technician to provincial standards.
- Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Automotive Refinishing Technician to provincial standards.
- Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Automotive Glass Technician to provincial standards.
- Evaluate completed repairs for consistency, accuracy and quality according to industry specifications and standards.
- Adhere to industry health and safety standards in the repair and reconditioning of automotive vehicles.
- Practice professional etiquette and personal hygiene while performing repairs.
- Work effectively as a team member while performing repairs.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This full-time program is two (2) years in duration delivered over four semesters, and must be completed within five (5) years.
The Automotive Repair and Refinishing Diploma provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning in classroom, shop and workplace settings and online. In addition to hands-on practical experience at VCC’s own state of the art automotive collision repair and refinishing facility, instructional activities such as lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journals, and project based learning strategies are used throughout the program. Students progress through courses in four semesters, each of which requiring successful completion for advancement to the next level.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English 10 or equivalent
- Workplace Math 10 or equivalent
OR
- Department assessment of mechanical reasoning
Note: Applicants must have minimum basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer/mobile device.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 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.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Program Considerations
Program activities require:
- frequent lifting and moving of heavy equipment, automotive parts, and materials;
- frequent movement alternating between standing, bending, kneeling and reaching;
- extended periods (5+ hours) of standing/walking on concrete floors/hard surfaces;
- differentiating colours for safety codes, wiring, and automotive paint colour analysis and tinting;
- the operation of automobiles for staging/positioning within the facility;
- precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Activities may include the operation of equipment and machines, detailed assembly, and small-scale technical work requiring steady hand movements.
Program environment involves:
- exposure to fumes, dust, and airborne particles from paints, solvents, and mechanical processes;
- exposure to loud machinery noise, power tools, and equipment vibrations;
- exposure to automotive chemicals and strong odors from paint, solvents and additives, cleaning agents, polishing compounds, fuels, oils, lubricants and coolants.
Other considerations include:
- the required use of computers to access web-based course materials, and to complete quizzes and exams;
- following detailed oral and written instruction in the English language.
If you have a disability or diagnosis and think you might face challenges with any of the listed program considerations, please contact disabilityservices@vcc.ca or 604.871.7500 to explore possible accommodations/supports.
Courses *
Classes for Year 1 students will run between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday for a total of 30 hours a week. Classes for Year 2 students will run between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday for a total of 25 hours a week.
Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Class times are subject to change.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ACRD 1100 | Workplace Skills and Safety | 2.5 |
| ACRD 1105 | Tools and Equipment | 2.5 |
| ACRD 1130 | Communication Skills 1 | 3.5 |
| ACRD 1135 | Detailing 1 | 1 |
| ACRD 1145 | Welding, Cutting & Heating Steel 1 | 3.0 |
| ACRD 1150 | Construction and Components 1 | 3 |
| ACRD 1155 | Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 1 | 1 |
| Credits | 16.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| ACRD 1200 | Sheet Metal Repair | 4 |
| ACRD 1205 | Advanced Sheet Metal Repairs | 3 |
| ACRD 1210 | Plastics and Composites | 1 |
| ACRD 1220 | Construction and Components 2 | 3 |
| ACRD 1230 | Communication Skills 2 | 3.5 |
| ACRD 1240 | Welding, Cutting & Heating Steel 2 | 1 |
| ACRD 1255 | Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 2 | 1 |
| Credits | 16.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ACRD 2130 | Trade Practice 1 | 3 |
| ACRD 2135 | Detailing 2 | 1 |
| ACRD 2140 | Refinishing Tools and Equipment | 1 |
| ACRD 2145 | Surface Preparation and Masking | 4 |
| ACRD 2150 | Using Refinishing Materials and Equipment | 4 |
| ACRD 2165 | Estimating, Planning & Scheduling 3 | 1 |
| ACRD 2170 | Advanced Automotive Refinishing | 2 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Four | ||
| ACRD 2230 | Trade Practice 2 | 3 |
| ACRD 2236 | Auto Glass Repair and Replacement | 3 |
| ACRD 2255 | Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 4 | 1 |
| ACRD 2260 | Automotive Mechanical Systems | 2.5 |
| ACRD 2270 | Automotive Electrical Systems | 2.5 |
| ACRD 2280 | Welding and Repairing Aluminum | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* 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.
Fees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 39687 | |
| Student union | 283 | |
| College initiative | 199 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 397 | |
| Laundry | 786 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 85 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 658 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.
* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.