No Experience? No Problem With Auto Body Repair Techniques

Did you know that most automotive service technician programs require applicants to be already working in the field in some capacity? But the lack of this requirement is exactly what sets apart the Auto Body Repair Techniques program at Centennial College. This offering is designed for applicants who have no previous experience but wish to open the door to a fulfilling automotive service career through an alternate route towards obtaining hard-to-get apprenticeship positions.

 

What is needed of applicants to Auto Body Repair Techniques is possession of at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have obtained the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. Please note that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

 

In its commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of education and training, the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council (CARS) have assessed the Auto Body Repair Techniques program. The CARS National Accreditation Board unanimously endorsed the program's full compliance with the national industry standards in 2001 and the program has been re-accredited until 2014. Also ensuring the program is relevant is its industry-driven approach thanks to an active Program Advisory Committee providing insights on current industry developments and practices.

 

Once accepted, students attend 36 weeks worth of courses approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The primary goal of the offering is to guide students to their first job by equipping them with practical skills and current knowledge that will give them a competitive edge in the auto body repair field. This is achieved through Auto Body Repair Techniques courses that have been molded on the apprenticeship in-school program and have been structured to allocate about 40 per cent of students' schedule to hands-on practice time. As such, students become comfortable with repairing automobile bodies and preparing them for painting, welding using MIG and oxy-acetylene equipment, auto body and frame repair, refinishing procedures and related mechanical systems.

 

In addition, training is conducted from Ashtonbee Campus, the province’s largest transportation training centre, which houses real cars, tools found in the field and an auto body shop atmosphere This gives students the experience an industry-like setting.

To graduate, Auto Body Repair Techniques students are required achieve a minimum D grade in all subjects with an overall GPA of 2.0. Students graduate from this auto body schools program with an Ontario College Certificate that is recognized by the auto industry. In addition, they may have an opportunity for credit toward their apprenticeship requirements.

Upon completion of the Auto Body Repair Techniques program, students can work in auto body repair, automotive painting, automotive restoration, commercial vehicle body repair and painting, damage repair appraising, and insurance estimating.