Auto Body and Collision Technician

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
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Program Overview

From restored classics to the everyday drivers that get us around, we love our cars. When age or accidents take their toll, auto body and collision technicians are the detailed artists who put them back in showroom shape. Every vehicle is a blank canvas, and with the right know-how, you'll be ready to bring them back to as good as or better than new condition. With so many vehicles on the road, and customers looking to keep them running and looking great longer, skilled auto body technicians will always be in demand.
 
In our Auto Body and Collision Technician program, you'll learn how to repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing components, repaint body surfaces, and repair and replace automotive glass. We'll teach you how to prime, paint, weld, apply body filler, and conduct fiberglass repair. You'll also master the tools of the trade, including operating manual, electric, and pneumatic tools. And, in our fully equipped shop, you'll get the opportunity to exercise your creative skills by designing mock-ups and working on real customer vehicles. If you love cars, have an artistic and detailed eye, and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, enroll today in the Auto Body and Collision Technician program and pursue an automotive industry career that promises to be an exciting and rewarding ride.

Duration

The requirements for this certificate program may be achieved within one academic year of full-time study.

Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies

    Career Possibilities

    Our graduates gain the skills to professionally repair and restore vehicles to the original manufacturer’s standards. When you complete the program, you’ll be ready to start your career path as an apprentice technician. You may work at automotive and truck dealerships, private body shops, custom car shops, or trucking and bus companies maintaining fleet vehicles.
     
    Experienced auto body and collision technicians often open their own shops after years of working for others. Some technicians choose to specialize in areas such as frame straightening, metalwork, or painting. Larger shops tend to employ more specialists, where smaller shops allow you to do a bit of everything. The choice is yours. Other opportunities to put your experience to work include working as an adjuster, appraising damaged vehicles and the cost to repair them, and dealing with insurance companies. As you gain experience, it is also common to advance to supervisory positions, managing a team of technicians. Many graduates who have come through our program are now in charge of hiring new people to fill positions at the shops where they work.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

    Specific Considerations

    Typically, employees work indoors in an environment that can be noisy and dusty however, many shops are well ventilated to avert health risks from dust and fumes. Health and safety are important issues for these trades-people as they are frequently in contact with chemicals (e.g. paints, compounds, solvents) and physical hazards (e.g. frame equipment, sharp metal). Ongoing safety training and a good knowledge of safety standards and regulations are important.

    Key attributes for people entering this trade are: good communication skills, mechanical aptitudes, problem solving skills, an eye for detail, good colour vision, computer literacy and a commitment to ongoing training. Good physical condition and agility are important because the work often requires considerable standing, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling and reaching.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

    Areas of Study

    • Mechanical and Electrical Component Repairs
    • Math Foundations
    • Ozone Depleting Substances
    • Shop Practice
    • Preparation for Vehicle Delivery
    • Vehicle Construction
    • Metal Repairs
    • Non-Structural Repairs
    • Painting Equipment
    • Refinishing
    • Workplace Safety
    • Computers
    • Welding and Cutting
    • Work Integrated Learning

    Program Courses

    Course curriculum for this program is still under development. Once the courses have been finalized, they will be posted here. Courses are subject to change.

    NOC Codes

    72411 - Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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