The Auto Body Repair Techniques program is a one-year offering that will lead to an entry-level career in the auto body industry – even if you have no previous experience.

Based on the Level 1 apprenticeship curriculum, with some valuable additions, the Auto Body Repair Techniques courses will cover theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure you have a competitive edge in the auto body repair field. Graduates will receive an Auto Body Repair Certificate and will be credited with Level 1 of the Ontario Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer (310B) Apprenticeship in school training. You apply for this Prior Learning Acknowledgement Recognition (PLAR) through your Ministry Training Consultant once you become a registered Apprentice.

Among included topics will be:

• Personal and shop safety
• Vehicle and body construction
• Detailing and refinishing equipment maintenance
• Applied mechanical systems
• Mathematics
• Communication
• Trade tools and shop equipment
• Non-structural repair fundamentals
• Refinishing surface preparation
• Oxyacetylene and gas metal arc welding

During about 40 per cent of program time, you'll gain hands-on practice in a spacious, state-of-the-art auto body lab that's outfitted with new equipment. By learning from faculty members who have years of industry experience and are committed to seeing you succeed by helping you maximize your skills, you'll become confident in your abilities.

Once you complete your studies, you'll have the opportunity to gain credit towards your apprenticeship requirements. As a graduate, in one year you will have earned an Ontario College Certificate and the first level of the Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair Apprenticeship. You will then be ready to start your journey as a registered Apprentice which will prepare you to return to school for your level 2 on a traditional apprenticeship.

Program Highlights

• This School of Transportation program is industry-driven due to an active Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which, twice a year provides insight on current industry developments and practices.
• The skills you'll acquire will include: detailing and buffing, welding using MIG and oxyacetylene equipment, auto body and frame repair, refinishing procedures, and removing and replacing various mechanical components.

Career Outlook

• Auto Body Repair Technician
• Automotive Restoration Technician
• Commercial Vehicle Body Repairer
• Automotive Detailer
• Damage Repair Appraiser
• Automotive Painter
• Insurance Estimator

Education Pathways

Turn your diploma into a degree through one of the pathways with our partner institutions. Successful graduates of the Autobody Repair Techniques program have the opportunity to apply their credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.