Auto Body and Collision Technician (Pre-Employment)

Program Description

The Auto Body and Collision Technician (Pre-Employment) program is a provincially accredited apprenticeship program that was developed by government and approved by the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board. Auto Body and Collision Technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; and repair and/or replace automotive glass. This  group also includes metal repairers who repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars.

Please note that due to the nature of this career, employees are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. If you have any medical concerns, please contact your admissions officer to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the occupation and to determine if you are eligible for accommodations in this program.

Apprenticeship Training

The Auto Body and Collision Technician (Pre-Employment) program is an apprenticeship trades program. Courses completed at Academy Canada meet the requirements to become a first-year apprentice. Once this training is completed and the graduate obtains their first position in the trade, s/he must register as an Apprentice with the Department of Education. Government will then cover the costs associated with regular advanced training as the apprentice gains experience and works towards completing their Journeyperson exam. Passing this examination will result in receiving Red Seal Certification.

Program Courses

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Introduction to Essential Skills
• Standard First Aid
• Safety
• Trade Related Documents
• Tools and Equipment
• Fasteners and Adhesives
• Vehicle Construction
• Pre/Post-Repair Vehicle Inspection
• Metallurgy
• Cutting and Heating
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) – MIG
• Resistance Spot Welding (RSW)
• Metal Working 1 (Mild Steel)
• Body Fillers and Abrasives
• Corrosion Protection
• Surface Preparation (Cleaning, Stripping and Masking)
• Stationary Glass
• Moveable Glass and Hardware
• Primers, Surfacers and Sealers
• Refinishing 1
• Cleaning and Detailing
• Upholstery, Trim and Hardware
• Batteries
• Non-Structural Components
• Introduction to Apprenticeship
• Introduction to Essential Skills
• Math Essentials
• Auto Body and Collision Math Fundamentals
• Communication Essentials
• Computer Essentials
• Workplace Essentials
• Workplace Exposure

Employment Opportunities

This occupation Auto Body and Collision Technician - National Occupational Classification 7322 is part of a larger occupational group called Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators. According to Outlook 2025, this larger occupational group will experience strong recruitment pressures over the 2015 to 2025 period. ABCT's are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops, automobile appraisal centers and motor vehicle manufacturers.