Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation
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.
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 full-time program is 35 weeks in duration and must be completed within 2 years.
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.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
OR
Department approval
The application process depends on your applicant type.
- 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.
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 be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
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 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 other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 4311 | |
| Student union | 71 | |
| College initiative | 124 | |
| Materials | 451 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 173 | |
| Laundry | 496 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 85 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 285 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 376 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* 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 ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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.
Note: Youth Train in Trades cohorts start in September & February.
Adult applications: apply below.
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