Become a journeyperson in the Auto Body Repair industry.

Apprentices are paid by their employer to learn on the job, and may be eligible for employment insurance while in school
Students can expect to learn the different types of body construction, repair techniques, and refinishing procedures at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels
Graduates can disassemble and assemble vehicle body components according to manufacturers' recommendations under appropriate supervision

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

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Schedule

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Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Certificate (24 Weeks)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

0502X01FWO

Area of Interest

Transportation

School

School of Advanced Technology

Campus

Ottawa

The Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate provides Auto Body Repairer apprentices with an understanding of the ever-changing automotive technology field.

Applicants to the Auto Body and Collision Damange Repair - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:...(read more)

Overview

Become a journeyperson in the Auto Body Repair industry.

The Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate provides Auto Body Repairer apprentices with an understanding of the ever-changing automotive technology field.

Applicants to the Auto Body and Collision Damange Repair - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program must:

be currently employed in the trade
be formally registered as apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
have a valid Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number

Auto Body Repairer is a compulsory trade and requires a certificate of qualification to work in Ontario. If you are considering a future as an autobody repairer, you can find a career in independent collision facilities, auto body repair facilities or automobile dealerships. You may also be able to find employment with the government, vehicle salvage facilities and insurance companies.

To learn more about apprenticeships, visit www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades for detailed information.

Registered Apprentices: Apprentices attend three 8-week levels of 30 hours per week of in-class sessions. Sixty (60) percent of class time is spent in theory and 40 percent learning practical, hands-on skills. In the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, you will learn the different types of body construction, repair techniques and refinishing procedures. Graduates are required to pass the federal Red Seal examination to qualify for a Certificate of Qualification in the Auto Body Repair trade.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the auto body repair industry.
Can work independently.
Are attentive to detail.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

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Level 01 (Basic)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

AUT8844

Course Name:

Body and Frame Structure

Course Description:

Apprentices learn about vehicle construction and design, non-structural panel repair, metal finishing, bumper systems, and the types and use... + Read More

Hours:

96.0

Code:

AUT8845

Course Name:

Refinishing I

Course Description:

Apprentices are introduced to the construction, types and applications of spray guns and spray booths. They learn about the composition of r... + Read More

Hours:

40.0

Code:

AUT8846

Course Name:

Applied Mechanical I

Course Description:

Apprentices are introduced to personal computer skills, automotive electrical systems, battery fundamentals, air conditioning systems, tires... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8847

Course Name:

Applied Work Practices

Course Description:

Emphasis is on shop and personal safety issues. An introduction to the proper use of shop tools and equipment is provided. Apprentices learn... + Read More

Hours:

40.0

Code:

AUT8848

Course Name:

Welding I

Course Description:

Apprentices practise oxyacetylene welding, heating, cutting, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Plasma Arc Cutting. They practise welding diff... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Level 02 (Intermediate)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

AUT8850

Course Name:

Plastics Repair

Course Description:

Apprentices are introduced to repair procedures for non-reinforced plastics, sheet mold compound (SMC) panel repair, reinforced plastic repa... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8851

Course Name:

Body and Structure

Course Description:

Apprentices acquire an understanding of corrosion and corrosion protection, frame measuring systems and the use of reference manuals, the pu... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

AUT8852

Course Name:

Non-Structural Repair

Course Description:

Apprentices learn how to complete non-structural panel repairs, use body fillers, identify damage patterns and damage direction, and to foll... + Read More

Hours:

56.0

Code:

AUT8855

Course Name:

Refinishing II

Course Description:

Apprentices build on their preparation and priming application skills and knowledge. Apprentices participate in the refinishing process and ... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8886

Course Name:

Applied Mechanical II

Course Description:

Apprentices learn the principles of automotive heating, ventilation and cooling systems, as well as the basics of electrical and vacuum syst... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8888

Course Name:

Welding II

Course Description:

Apprentices develop skills required for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), refine skills in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and learn the appli... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Level 03 (Advanced)

Code

Course Name & Description

Hours

Code:

AUT8861

Course Name:

Damage Analysis and Estimating

Course Description:

Apprentices learn about the purpose of fundamental steps in damage analysis, explain the procedures for diagnosing frame and unibody structu... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8862

Course Name:

Body, Frame and Structure

Course Description:

Apprentices learn about the purpose of fundamental steps in aluminum repair, demonstrate and perform manufacturer's repair procedures, as we... + Read More

Hours:

64.0

Code:

AUT8865

Course Name:

Refinishing III

Course Description:

Apprentices learn the fundamentals of colour matching including the required formulae, applications of tinters and reasons for colour mismat... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8866

Course Name:

Applied Mechanical III

Course Description:

The fundamentals of onboard computers are addressed and the function and construction features of onboard computers and electronic component... + Read More

Hours:

32.0

Code:

AUT8878

Course Name:

Structural Panel Replacement

Course Description:

Apprentices learn the fundamental steps in the removal and replacement of structural panels, as well as the repair procedures. Apprentices a... + Read More

Hours:

64.0

Code:

AUT8879

Course Name:

Alignment

Course Description:

Apprentices learn about vehicle alignment and the construction types, styles, and the applications of vehicle suspension system alignment an... + Read More

Hours:

16.0

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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may be employed as apprentice/journey-person auto body technicians. Opportunities exist in independent collision and auto body repair facilities, automobile dealerships, government, vehicle salvage facilities and insurance companies.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

View all Algonquin College pathways

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Disassemble and assemble vehicle body components according to manufacturers` recommendations under appropriate supervision.
Repair vehicle non-structural components according to industry standards using basic repair techniques.
Perform basic paint manufacturers` refinishing procedures according to manufacturers` standards for quality, appearance and durability.
Comply with health and safety legislation and safe work practices to support and maintain efficient, safe and secure shop operations.
Maintain mechanical systems to required manufacturers` specifications using diagnostic equipment and basic repair techniques under appropriate supervision.
Identify and use strategies to enhance work performance and maintain currency with industry.
Support the development of a repair plan by evaluating collision damages to automotive body and frame.
Use communication, teamwork and relationship management skills to contribute to a positive work environment.
Identify and perform welding procedures on body, frame and structures according to automotive manufacturers` recommendations.
Diagnose problems with electrical and electronic systems and perform repairs, removals or replacements of electrical and electronic components.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition Fees: $400 per level.

Incidental Fee: $150 per level.

Information Technology Fee: $43.86 per level.

Algonquin College recommends that students purchase their textbooks. Students are responsible for supplies, including safety footwear, safety glasses, cartridge type respirator, and parking and locker fees, if applicable.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Select the Academic Year:

Admissions Next Steps

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).

Program Eligibility

Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Application Information