Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation (Online Youth)

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Offsite

Two people in protective gear using a welding torch on a car body panel during an automotive repair training session.

On this page

249

Overview

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.
Tuition $4,671
Credential Certificate
Length 8 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based and Online
Campus Offsite
Start Dates

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

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.

Admission Requirement

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.

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.

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

Not currently available.

Courses

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 Costs

Tuition $4,671
Student union $71
College initiative $135
Graduation $45
Total $4,921

* 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.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Youth applications (high school students in grade 10 and 11):

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

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.