Automotive Refinishing Technician, Apprenticeship, Full-time
Program Overview
The Automotive Technician Refinishing Level 2 program prepares students for Red Seal certification as automotive painters. It combines on-campus and online instruction with workplace training, equipping students with the skills to restore vehicle finishes, prepare surfaces, and apply coatings. Upon passing the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam, graduates receive the Automotive Refinishing Technician Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement.
Program Outline
Outline:
- The Automotive Technician Refinishing Level 2 program provides students with the technical training required to attain Red Seal certification as an automotive painter (automotive refinishing technician).
- The Automotive Technician Refinishing Program process requires time spent on the job and in-school training. This apprenticeship program generally takes two years to complete, including 3,300 workplace hours and 300 in-school hours.
- After completion of training, students who receive a passing grade on interprovincial exams will be awarded the BC Certificate of Apprenticeship and the Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal Interprovincial Certification.
- Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to work on vehicle surfaces, restoring vehicle finishes after body repairs have been performed, and using fillers, primers, and surfacers for the refinishing process.
- Students will further develop their skills learning to remove layers of old coatings; matching colors; mixing paints; preparing surfaces for painting by spot filling, sanding, and masking; applying primers, primer surfacers, base coats, single-stage, and clear coats; cleaning and polishing painted surfaces, and applying protective coatings.
Assessment:
- The minimum passing grade is 70%.
Teaching:
- This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Careers:
- Upon successful completion of Automotive Collision and Refinishing Common Core Level 1 and Automotive Refinishing Technician Level 2, students will be eligible to write the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam.
- Upon successful completion of the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam, students will be awarded the following credential from SkilledTradesBC:
- Automotive Refinishing Technician Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement
- Automotive Refinishing Technician Certificate of Apprenticeship
BCIT - British Columbia Institute of Technology
Overview:
BCIT is a public post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada, offering practical, flexible, and applied education. It distinguishes itself from traditional colleges and universities by focusing on hands-on learning with instructors who have direct experience in their fields.
Services Offered:
BCIT provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic & Learning Services:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and library resources.Campus Amenities:
Cafeterias, fitness facilities, student lounges, and other amenities.Financial Aid & Awards:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.Health & Wellness:
Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.Safety & Security:
Campus security services and safety protocols.Student Life & Housing:
Student clubs, events, and housing options.Technology:
Access to computer labs, software, and online learning platforms.Workplace & Career Opportunities:
Career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities.Indigenous Initiatives:
Support services and programs for Indigenous students.International Students:
Support services and programs for international students.Student Association:
Student-run organization representing student interests.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCIT offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Joining clubs and organizations related to their interests.Events:
Attending campus events, workshops, and social gatherings.Volunteering:
Contributing to the community through volunteer opportunities.Mentorship:
Connecting with mentors and peers for guidance and support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical, Hands-on Learning:
Focus on applied learning with industry-relevant skills.Experienced Instructors:
Instructors with direct experience in their fields.Flexible Learning Options:
Full-time, part-time, and online programs.Strong Industry Connections:
Close ties with industry partners for internships and job opportunities.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Vibrant Campus Community:
Opportunities for student engagement and social interaction.Academic Programs:
BCIT offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Applied & Natural Sciences:
Business, media, computing, and IT.Engineering:
Various engineering disciplines.Health Sciences:
Healthcare and medical programs.Trades & Apprenticeships:
Skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.Flexible Learning:
Online and part-time programs.Microcredentials:
Short-term, specialized programs for skill development.Other:
BCIT is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives focused on environmental protection and community engagement. The institution also acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations.
Entry Requirements:
There are two ways to begin your new career as an automotive collision and refinishing apprentice: : Successfully complete our Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Technician Foundation program. By working through a series of practical projects and theory assignments you'll build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to make you more employable in an entry-level position. By successfully completing the Foundation program, graduates will receive an Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Certificate of Completion and the following credits: Level 1 Technical Training credit plus 625 hours towards the Auto Body and Collision Technician apprenticeship program. Level 1 Technical Training credit plus 450 hours towards the Automotive Refinishing Technician apprenticeship program. Secure employment and sponsorship within the automotive and refinishing trade with an employer who will register you with SkilledTradesBC. Once sponsorship is secured, enroll in the Automotive Collision and Refinishing Common Core Level 1 program. In this option, you are indentured to a company as an apprentice, learning basic skills while you are employed. The advantage here is that you earn while you learn. You must be an active apprentice registered with SkilledTradesBC to register for apprenticeship training at BCIT. Recommended for success Grade 10 education or equivalent , including: English 10 or English language proficiency Any Math 10
