Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 3 (E-pprentice)

This blended delivery course provides Level 3 technical training for apprentices in the provincial Auto Body and Collision Technician program. Students learn to prepare for structural repairs, including structural measuring and component removal. The course emphasizes advanced welding techniques such as squeeze-type resistance spot welding (STRSW), bronze welding, and multi-position steel structural welding. Hands-on training includes repair, replacement, and sectioning procedures for welded-on, cold-weld bonded, and rivet-bonded body panels. Instruction also covers mechanical systems (heating, cooling, climate control, powertrain, exhaust, fuel systems, and alternate fuel systems), basic electrical diagnosis and repair, supplemental restraint systems, pre/post-scanning, damage estimating, and final inspections. The course is delivered in a blended format, combining online self-paced study with on-campus practical training.

Delivery Format:
• Online Component: Approximately 18 weeks of guided self-study from home.
• On-Campus Component: 3 weeks of full-time, hands-on training.

Assessment and Certification:

• Students must achieve a minimum final grade of 70% at VCC to be eligible for the SkilledTradesBC Standardized Level Exam (SLE).
• The final VCC grade for this course is blended with the SkilledTradesBC SLE grade at 80% - 20% to determine an overall SkilledTradesBC final grade.
• A blended grade of 70% or higher qualifies students to:
- Receive SkilledTradesBC Technical Training credit for Auto Body and Collision Technician Level 3
- Advance to Auto Body and Collision Technician Level 4

Prerequisites

Students must be registered apprentices in the SkilledTradesBC Auto Body and Collision Technician program and have a valid SkilledTradesBC ID number AND ACAP 2002 Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 2 OR ACAP 2003 Auto Body and Collision Technician Apprentice Level 2 (E-pprentice) OR ACAP 2001 Automotive Collision Repair Technician Level 2 (pre-April 2021); Students transitioning from the pre-April 2021 MVBR program are subject to a co-requisite for this course.

What you will learn

• Measuring Equipment, Use and Calibration
• Pre and Post-Scanning
• Advanced Welding:
  - Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding
  - MIG Brazing
  - Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW)
  - Structural Steel Welding
• Damage Analysis and Estimating Writing
• Pre-Delivery Inspections and Quality Assurance
• Structural Repair Preparations:
  - Structural Damage Analysis
  - Characteristics of Structural Metals
  - Anchoring for Structural Pulling (Unibody)
• Welded-On Panel Repair and Replacement
  - Structural Sectioning
  - Weld-Bonding
  - Rivet-Bonding
• Mechanical Components:
  - Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning Systems
  - Powertrain Components, Exhaust and Fuel Systems
• Electrical Components:
  - Basic Electricity and Component Testing
  - Simple Circuit Diagnosis
  - Introduction to Advanced Vehicle Systems
• Supplemental Restraint Systems:
  - Seat Belt Restraints
  - Air Bags and Systems

How to register

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].

† 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.