Why earn your Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing certificate?
At UFV, we can put you on the road towards a career as an automotive collision repair & refinishing technician. With our hands-on learning philosophy, this program will prepare you for entry into the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry. As one of our students in this program, you will get a thorough introduction to the trade and will develop skills that are expected by today’s employers.

Why earn this certificate at UFV?
We have designed our workshop and learning space specifically for the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program. You will learn in our top-notch, Trades and Technology Centre in Chilliwack with state-of-the-art, leading-edge equipment. While our facility and equipment are new, UFV has a long track record of training students for successful careers through our Faculty of Trades and Technology. The success of our students is enhanced by our low student/teacher ratio and the practical hands-on component of all our trades and technology programs. Because you get intense, hands-on training, as soon as you graduate from the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing program, you will be ready to work in repair shops, custom paint and body shops, and businesses that specialize in collision repair.

I want a career in the autobody repair industry. Will this program get me there?
Absolutely. With UFV’s entry-level training, we’ll put you in the driver’s seat towards your career goal as an autobody repair technician. The Autobody Repair Technician program will prepare you for entry into the autobody and paint shop industry. While in the program, you’ll get a systematic introduction to the trade and thorough hands-on opportunities to develop the skills expected by today’s employers. You’ll also have the chance to acquire a sound general knowledge of the autobody industry.

What exactly will I learn?
Your training will follow a modular system that begins by developing a wide variety of basic skills. You’ll then build on these skills to develop the intermediate and specialized skills that are required in this industry. You must show that you understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit. Your learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, videotapes, display boards, lab manuals, and written instructions.

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

How will I be graded in this program?
At regular stages, you will be required to perform various tasks in order to develop your 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.

Sounds good. What do I need to get in?
You’ll need your B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent and must pass a math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

When should I apply?
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space.  

Expect to pay program fees of about $115.01 per week; this covers tuition plus 10% of the tuition for ancillary fees. As an Autobody Repair Technician student, you should also budget about $750 for your basic hand tools, $200 for required textbooks and $400 for your working apparel. We require a deposit (currently $200) to be paid when you register, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of each semester. The balance of your fees must be paid by the second week of the semester.

In addition, each semester (fall, winter, and summer) you will be required to pay a $30 Student Union Society membership fee, a $35 SUS  Capital fee, $4.50 Cascade student newspaper fee, a $3 per semester radio station fee and a Universal Bus Pass (U-Pass) $40. A Health and Dental fee $160 is charged annually each fall semester to students with nine or more credits to provide extended medical and dental insurance. You can check with the Student Union Society or at www.studentcare.net/works for details.

It’s also worth a visit to the UFV financial aid and awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of approximately $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget

Anything else I need to know?
Working on cars and specifically with paints and chemicals can be physically demanding and that’s why a medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. We’ll notify you if or when a statement is required. Theory and shop procedures are set up to simulate job conditions, so punctuality and good work habits are essential. You must be there continuously through both semesters to successfully complete all requirements for the program. You are expected to attend classes five days per week for the duration of the entire program. If you fail to meet the attendance requirements as outlined in the program guide, you might be subject to a failing grade or academic warning. It’s also expected that you complete all requirements with a  minimum of 70 per cent or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

I’m interested. What do I do next?
Check out UFV’s online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar. Read the automotive collision repair technician program description and information carefully. If you wish to contact the instructor, call Nick Penner at 604-847-5420 or email nick.penner@ufv.ca.  Next, you can download an application form and submit it, along with the $45 application fee, to any UFV Admissions and Records office. You can also transmit it through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca.

If you’re currently in Grade 12, you can apply now, but we require a statement from your school counsellor or principal indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, and this must be presented at the time of your entrance exam appointment.

You will be notified of your entrance exam date by staff at the Trades & Technology Centre and there is no fee for writing this exam. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of submitting your application, please call us at 604-847-5451.  Before classes start, you’ll be called and given all the registration procedures. If we can’t reach you after three attempts, you’ll be removed from the waitlist.

Where will my classes be located?
UFV’s Auto Collision Repair Technician program is based at the Trades and Technology Centre at the Canada Education Park in Chilliwack. It is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Class and shops are in session from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. those days. The modern automotive repair and paint shop was built specifically for this program and features leading-edge technology and equipment. The shop is heated, well ventilated, and provides plenty of opportunity to work directly on project vehicles. UFV’s Trades and Technology Centre is the university’s first facility to open in Chilliwack’s Canada Education Park, a 200-acre education and research park situated along the historic Vedder River on what was once Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack.

Can I speak with someone about my options?
Yes! We want to hear from you! If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441, ext 4528 to arrange a tour, attend a "Becoming a Student" info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling. You can also contact the staff at the Trades and Technology centre directly at 604-847-5448, or 1-888-504-7441, ext. 5448, or email trades@ufv.ca to get more details.