Automotive Repair and Refinishing

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Broadway

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students - PGWP Eligible

A group of mechanics in white coveralls working on cars in a garage, with one mechanic lying on the ground and others attending to vehicles.

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Overview

Apply technical knowledge and skills in the adjustment, maintenance, part replacement, and repair of vehicles.
Tuition $40,480
Credential Diploma
Length 2 years
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Broadway
Start Dates
PGWP International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Auto Body and Collision Technician to provincial standards.
  • Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Automotive Refinishing Technician to provincial standards.
  • Apply the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at an apprentice level Automotive Glass Technician to provincial standards.
  • Evaluate completed repairs for consistency, accuracy and quality according to industry specifications and standards.
  • Adhere to industry health and safety standards in the repair and reconditioning of automotive vehicles.
  • Practice professional etiquette and personal hygiene while performing repairs.
  • Work effectively as a team member while performing repairs.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This full-time program is two (2) years in duration delivered over four semesters, and must be completed within five (5) years.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

OR
  • Department assessment of mechanical reasoning
Note: Applicants must have minimum basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer/mobile device.

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

International students

Classes for Year 1 students will run between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday for a total of 30 hours a week. Classes for Year 2 students will run between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday – Friday for a total of 25 hours a week. Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Class times are subject to change.
Plan of Study Grid
Term One Credits
ACRD 1100 Workplace Skills and Safety 2.5
ACRD 1105 Tools and Equipment 2.5
ACRD 1130 Communication Skills 1 3.5
ACRD 1135 Detailing 1 1
ACRD 1145 Welding, Cutting & Heating Steel 1 3.0
ACRD 1150 Construction and Components 1 3
ACRD 1155 Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 1 1
Credits 16.5
Term Two
ACRD 1200 Sheet Metal Repair 4
ACRD 1205 Advanced Sheet Metal Repairs 3
ACRD 1210 Plastics and Composites 1
ACRD 1220 Construction and Components 2 3
ACRD 1230 Communication Skills 2 3.5
ACRD 1240 Welding, Cutting & Heating Steel 2 1
ACRD 1255 Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 2 1
Credits 16.5
Term Three
ACRD 2130 Trade Practice 1 3
ACRD 2135 Detailing 2 1
ACRD 2140 Refinishing Tools and Equipment 1
ACRD 2145 Surface Preparation and Masking 4
ACRD 2150 Using Refinishing Materials and Equipment 4
ACRD 2165 Estimating, Planning & Scheduling 3 1
ACRD 2170 Advanced Automotive Refinishing 2
Credits 16
Term Four
ACRD 2230 Trade Practice 2 3
ACRD 2236 Auto Glass Repair and Replacement 3
ACRD 2255 Estimating, Planning and Scheduling 4 1
ACRD 2260 Automotive Mechanical Systems 2.5
ACRD 2270 Automotive Electrical Systems 2.5
ACRD 2280 Welding and Repairing Aluminum 3
Credits 15
Total Credits 64
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

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 deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Tuition deposit $12,500 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $40,480
Student union $290
College initiative $203
Laundry $810
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $657 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Coverall deposit $85
Other fees $3,356
Total $43,836
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.

* 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?

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Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

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.