Applied and Technical Studies

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing certificate

Entry-level trades training

At UFV, we can put students on the road towards a career as an Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician. The program will prepare students for entry into the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry. Successful completion may also provide students with advanced placement into the Autobody Repair or Refinishing Apprenticeship program. Students will get a thorough introduction to the trade and develop skills expected by employers. Students will have the opportunity to acquire a general knowledge on most systems used on current vehicles.

Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. This program can ladder into the B.C. apprenticeship system, following the National Occupational Analysis.

Concurrent studies option

UFV allows high school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year. For more information, contact your district/school career counsellor. You may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in areas such as auto body shops, independent shops, and specialty shops such as restoration or custom hot rods, fleet shops, fabrication shops, and marine industries.

Entrance requirements

High-school completion is strongly recommended for career success. In addition to UFV’s general university admission requirements, which include the English Language Proficiency Requirement, students must meet the following entrance requirements for admission.

1. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Mature student status (19 years +).
2. One of the following:
   • Successful completion of any Mathematics 10 (or higher grade) or equivalent (including Foundations of Mathematics, Pre-calculus, Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics, MATH 072, or MATH 076) with a C grade or better.
   • Successful completion of a UFV trades math entrance exam.

   Note: Students who have not been in any schooling for more than three years are strongly advised to take the recommended mathematics assessment test to determine level of preparedness. The assessment test may identify areas that require strengthening to optimize the opportunities for program success. In most cases, upgrading can be taken simultaneously with the program.

3. One of the following:
   • Successful completion of English 12 or equivalent (including English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, International Baccalaureate English A (standard level or higher level), or Advanced Placement English) with a C grade.
   • UFV Accuplacer Reading comprehension score of 80 or better, together with Accuplacer WritePlacer score of 6 or better on the 8-point scale.
   • UFV CPT (Composition Placement Test) – score of 41 or higher.
   • TOEFL iBT score of 80 with no section below 19.
   • Completion of any other test score or course grade listed in the Entry-level post-secondary English language proficiency standards.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that they are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be presented. A transcript showing evidence of meeting the entrance requirements will be required in order to be offered a seat.
2. Applicants not meeting the entrance requirments will be notified of entrance exam dates by the Trades & Technology Centre. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of submission of their applications should call 604-847-5448.
3. Read the program description and information carefully. If you require more information, please contact the Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or trades@ufv.ca.
4. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing students should also budget approximately $500 for required tools, $210 for textbooks, and $250 for appropriate working apparel.

Note: A deposit (currently $200) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of the program. The balance of fees must be paid by the second week of classes.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UFV official if/when the statement is required.

Location

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program is offered at the Trades & Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. The Reception Centre office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Classes and shops may be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Dates and attendance requirements

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program starts in September and ends mid-May.

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program requires continuous attendance throughout the program to successfully complete all requirements. Students will be expected to attend all every week for the duration of the entire program.

Students must meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Program requirements

Students must complete all requirements with a minimum of 70% or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

Students who do not receive a Credit (CR) grade in all required areas by the end of May can apply to their instructor for re-entry into the program the following year. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and must complete all program requirements no later than May of the following year. See upgrading policy for more details.

Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions/forms.

Attendance and conduct

Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Applied and Technical Studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, he or she will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Upgrading

The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques.

An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.

Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program instructor.

Re-admission

Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry to the program provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is conditional based on space availability and instructor permission, and if the curriculum has not changed.

Students who are absent more than one year will be required to apply for re-admission. An application for admission form and application fee will be required.

Program outline

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program starts in September and ends in May. Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit. They must then apply their knowledge to demonstrate an acceptable level of practical skills as assigned in that unit. The learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, video clips, display boards, lab manuals, and written instructions.

At regular stages, students will be required to perform various tasks in order to develop their practical skills. As much as possible, study and lab instruction is patterned after "on-the-job" situations where a limited amount of direct supervision is required. The training follows a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills, and builds on these to develop intermediate and specialized skills required in this industry.

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in May.

Sample topics

Safe work practices
Process technical information
Tools and equipment
Hardware and trim
Surface preparation
Oxy-acetylene welding
MIG welding
Sheet metal repair
Plastics and composites
Undercoats
Topcoats
Selected repairs
Panel replacement
Structural repairs
Steering and suspension
Mechanical components
Pre-delivery
Preparation for employment
Collision repair level-one exam
Automotive refinishing prep level-one exam

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