Automotive Refinishing Technician Apprentice
Overview
Learn industry-leading skills including restorative and protective treatments, paint booth operations, and spray gun technology, while working your way up to a B.C. trade certificate.
| Tuition | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credential | Apprenticeship |
| Length | Varies per level |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- How to use color matching and paint mixing tools and equipment.\n
- How to use refinishing tools and equipment.\n
- How to create a work plan and organize materials.\n
- How to prepare surfaces and apply finishes.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The combined duration for all levels of traditional on-campus technical training classes is 10 weeks. See each course for details and for online/on-campus delivery durations. Technical training generally takes 2 years to complete, alongside 3300 hours of work-based training. There is no maximum time to completion.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- A valid SkilledTradesBC ID number
- A current employer and sponsor.*
NOTE: Registration in the online/on-campus (E-pprentice) courses is recommended only for individuals prepared to meet the demands of an online learning environment. E-pprentice courses require a high level of self-directed engagement, effective time management, and the ability to work independently without in-person supervision. Participants must be proficient in using digital tools, capable of communicating clearly through online platforms, and willing to actively seek support and utilize available resources to ensure academic success.
* Every registered apprentice has both an employer and a sponsor. The employer hires you and pays for your work; the sponsor commits to helping you get opportunities to learn on the job and reports on your progress. In most cases, the employer and sponsor are the same person or organization.
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
Course 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.
Course environments involve:
- 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 considerations, please contact disabilityservices@vcc.ca or 604.871.7500 to explore possible accommodations/supports.
Program Availability
Not currently available.
Courses
Note: If you have completed ACRP 1101, ACRP 1102, or the Automotive Refinishing Foundation Certificate, you can go directly to Level 2. Each level must be completed in the option you registered for, but you may switch options when starting a new level.
Option 1: On campus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRP 1101 | Automotive Collision and Refinish Common Core Apprentice Level 1 | 9 |
or Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation Certificate | ||
| APAP 2002 | Automotive Refinishing Technician Apprentice Level 2 | 4 |
Option 2: Online/On-campus blended
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACRP 1102 | Automotive Collision & Refinish Common Core Apprentice Lvl 1 (E-pprentice) | 9 |
Automotive Refinishing Technician Level 2 is not available online/on-campus. | ||
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
* 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.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
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
Do you have any questions?