Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation

Overview

What to expect

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

Admission Requirement

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.

Recommended Characteristics

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.

Program Availability

Courses

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

How to Apply

• 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.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca