Overview
The Auto Body Repair and Refinishing program is a 40-week offering, which includes a 6-week work practicum, that will open the doors to a career in the auto body industry. The program allows students to gain the fundamental knowledge required to launch a career as a Red Seal Auto Body Collision Repair or Automotive Refinishing Technician, also known as an Automotive Painter. You will then be ready to start your journey as a registered Apprentice, which will prepare you to return to school for level 2 of the traditional apprenticeship pathway.
Graduates will receive an Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Certificate of Qualification and the following credits:
- Level 1 Technical Training credit plus 625 hours towards the Harmonized Auto Body and Collision Technician apprenticeship program.
- Level 1 Technical Training credit plus 450 hours towards Harmonized Automotive Refinishing Technician apprenticeship program.
Technical Training credit will be applied once you become a registered apprentice with SkilledTradesBC.
You’ll spend approximately 50% of your on-campus schedule gaining hands-on practice in a spacious and well laid out state-of-the-art auto body shop outfitted with the latest equipment. Classroom and shop instruction will be facilitated by faculty with years of industry experience, who are committed to helping you succeed and maximize your skills. Faculty will also assist students with practicum placements at various collision repair facilities throughout the lower mainland.
Topics covered will include:
- Occupational Skills and Safety
- Tools and Equipment
- Sheet Metal Repair
- Welding
- Plastics and Composites
- Surface Preparation
- Auto Body Construction and Components
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of the following:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 10 (50%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Recommended for success
A driver’s licence is strongly recommended in order to move vehicles in and out of the shops.
Potential applicants with medical or physical disabilities should contact Accessibility Services to arrange an interview with the institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963 (telephone interview is acceptable for out of town applicants).
Trades Discovery
The Trades Discovery General and Trades Discovery for Women are full-time programs designed to prepare participants to successfully enter and complete a Trades Training program.
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September and January each year.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition fees, visit Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees.
Books & supplies
$590.00 (general estimated cost, subject to change)
CSA approved safety glasses and footwear required. Footwear must be steel-toed, leather, ankle covering boots.
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0630–1430, Monday to Thursday
Program matrix
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ABRR 1500 | Perform Safety Related Functions | 4.0 | |
| ABRR 1505 | Use Tools and Equipment | 5.5 | |
| ABRR 1510 | Organize work and use documentation | 4.0 | |
| ABRR 1515 | Use Communication and Mentoring Techniques | 2.0 | |
| ABRR 1520 | Use Welding Equipment | 8.0 | |
| ABRR 1525 | Remove and Install Vehicle Components | 8.0 | |
| ABRR 1530 | Practicum 1 | 2.5 | |
| ABRR 1535 | Use Repair Materials and Equipment | 3.5 | |
| ABRR 1540 | Remove, Repair and Install Metal Panels and Components | 10.0 | |
| ABRR 1545 | Practicum 2 | 2.5 | |
| ABRR 1550 | Remove, Repair and Install Plastic and Composite Panels and Components | 5.0 | |
| ABRR 1555 | Prepare Surface | 12.0 | |
| ABRR 1560 | Apply Refinishing Materials | 3.5 | |
| ABRR 1565 | Practicum 3 | 2.5 | |
| ABRR 1570 | Detail Exterior | 3.5 | |
| Total Credits: | 76.5 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
40 weeks, full-time
Grading
The passing grade in each course is 70%. All courses must be passed to successfully complete the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
SkilledTradesBC
BCIT transfers the student's name, contact information, Personal Education Number (PEN), and the name and date of the completed Foundation program to SkilledTradesBC. This information is used for the purposes of tracking successful completions in order to grant credit towards apprenticeship where applicable, and communicating with trainees to promote continuation in an apprenticeship program.
Contact Us
Nathan James
Department Head
Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing programs
Telephone: 604-456-1039
Email: njames@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.