Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation (Online)
Get a full introduction to automotive collision and refinishing by learning to prime, repair, and finish damaged vehicles in a hybrid online/in-shop format. Available to British Columbia high school students.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- 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
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program is offered over an 8-month period and may vary according to the requirements of regional School Districts. The program must be completed within 2 years.
This program provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning including:
- Scheduled and self-paced online theory assignments
- Online group discussions
- Hands-on practical lessons and lectures in the workplace, school, or VCC facility according to regional agreements.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Admission Requirements
English 10 or equivalent
OR
Department approval
Note: Basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer or mobile device is required.
Application Procedure
Regional B.C. High School Students:
- Contact your school district’s Career Program Coordinator or Administrator. Do not apply directly to VCC.
For details, visit the SkilledTradesBC Youth Train in Trades Program website.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
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 *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRF 1101 | Occupational Safety (Online Youth) | 2 |
| ACRF 1116 | Shop Experience (Online Youth) | 12 |
| ACRF 1121 | Construction and Components (Online Youth) | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1131 | Tools and Equipment (Online Youth) | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1141 | Welding, Heating and Cutting Steel (Online Youth) | 2.5 |
| ACRF 1151 | Metal Panels and Components (Online Youth) | 6 |
| ACRF 1161 | Plastic Panels and Components (Online Youth) | 1.5 |
| ACRF 1171 | Organize, Document and Communicate (Online Youth) | 1.5 |
| ACRF 1181 | Refinish Preparation (Online Youth) | 5 |
| ACRF 1186 | Refinish Application (Online Youth) | 3.5 |
| ACRF 1191 | Interior and Exterior Detailing (Online Youth) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Courses for this program are offered over one term and not necessarily in the order listed.
* 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 *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 0 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 4671 | |
| Student union | 71 | |
| College initiative | 135 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 0 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 0 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
Apply now
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 youthintrades@vcc.ca.
- See the SkilledTradesBC Youth in Trades program website for details.