Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation
Overview
Get a full introduction to automotive collision and refinishing by learning to prime, repair, and finish damaged vehicles in VCC’s state-of-the-art auto body shop.
| Tuition | $4,485 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 35 weeks |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
What to expect
This program provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning in classroom, shop, online, and in workplace settings. In addition to hands-on practical experience in VCC’s automotive collision repair and refinishing facility, instructional activities such as lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, and project based learning strategies may be used throughout the program. Students are required to access VCC’s online learning environment throughout the program.
What you will learn
- Adhere to industry health and safety standards in the repair and reconditioning of automotive vehicles
- Maintain tools and equipment to ensure top performance, safety and environmental compliance
- Perform cutting, welding and heating processes to industry and vehicle manufacturers’ standards
- Analyze vehicle conditions and documentation to develop organized repair plans
- Use communication techniques to build and maintain professional industry and customer relations
- Remove and install vehicle components to manufacturers fit and finish standards
- Prepare surfaces for refinishing accounting for substrate conditions and manufacturers’ specifications
- Use repair materials and equipment in preparation for top-coat application in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications
- Perform top-coating procedures to achieve a variety of original equipment (OE) finishes
- Remove, repair and install metal panels and components to original contour, fit and finish
- Remove, repair and install plastic panels and components to original contour, fit and finish
- Perform automotive detailing tasks and inspect repaired vehicles according to quality assurance standards
Program duration and maximum time for completion
This full-time program is 35 weeks in duration and must be completed within 2 years.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Apply on EducationPlanner BC
- Greater Vancouver Area High School Students:
- Contact your school district’s Career Program Coordinator or Administrator. Do not apply directly to VCC.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended 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 [email protected] or 604.871.7500 to explore possible accommodations/supports.
Program availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Nov 30, 2026 |
Fall 2027 |
|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRF 1100 | Occupational Safety | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1110 | Industry Readiness | 4.5 |
| ACRF 1120 | Construction and Components | 5 |
| ACRF 1130 | Tools, Equipment and Maintenance | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1140 | Welding, Heating and Cutting Steel | 3 |
| ACRF 1150 | Metal Panels and Components | 7.5 |
| ACRF 1160 | Plastic Panels and Components | 2 |
| ACRF 1170 | Organize, Document and Communicate | 2 |
| ACRF 1180 | Refinish Preparation | 6.5 |
| ACRF 1185 | Refinish Application | 4 |
| ACRF 1190 | Interior and Exterior Detailing | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
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 costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,485 | |
| Student union | $74 | |
| College initiative | $129 | |
| Materials | $465 | |
| Campus resource | $180 | |
| Laundry | $516 | |
| Coverall deposit | $85 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $383 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $6,681 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
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Technical requirement
How to apply
Youth applications (high school students in grade 10 and 11):
Applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers and counsellors should contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district. The Program Coordinator and applicant complete the Youth in Trades Application and return to [email protected].
See the SkilledTradesBC Youth in Trades program website for details.
Adult applications: see below.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Program information
For questions about Youth Train in Trades programs email us at [email protected].
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
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