Auto Body Repair Techniques Program's Vital Courses

It is commonly known that most auto body schools expect students to already be working in the field as apprentices. That's why Centennial College's Auto Body Repair Techniques is such a unique opportunity. All this alternate route requires of its applicants is: possession of at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older; as well as the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

Another thing to set the program apart from other auto body schools is that, in 2001, the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council (CARS) unanimously endorsed its full compliance with the national industry standards. The program has been re-accredited until 2014. This accreditation ensures that students know the training they receive to become auto body apprentices, apprentice painters, service advisors, appraisal trainees and parts technicians is both recognized and respected. Additionally, an active Program Advisory Committee provides insights on current industry developments and practices to the coordinators of the Auto Body Repair Techniques program. As such, students become comfortable with essential skills such as welding using MIG and oxy-acetylene equipment, repairing automobile bodies and preparing them for painting, auto body and frame repair, refinishing procedures and related mechanical systems.

The insights from the committee have lead to the Auto Body Repair Techniques program offering courses approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that are modelled on the apprenticeship in-school program. This structure sees 40 per cent of students' schedule being dedicated to hands-on practice time. Here are three of the most vital courses offered in this Auto Body Repair Techniques program:-

Computers For Autobody Technicians :- Autobody work and communication with customers is becoming more computerized, so this essential Auto Body Repair Techniques class provides students the computer skills required for coping with basic personal and work related computing requirements. Specifics include: managing Windows based software, producing Word-processed documents, navigating the Internet, communicating via e-mail and producing computer generated autobody repair estimates.

Applied Mechanical Systems :- Presented in three advancing courses, this Auto Body Repair Techniques class begins by teaching students the operating principles of batteries, electrical systems, testing meters and headlight assemblies as well as tires and their construction. They then learn fuel supply systems, and the operation of the engine cooling systems and components. In addition, air condition system repair and testing is covered with emphasis on removal, replacement and disposal of components. Finally, the last semester of this Auto Body Repair Techniques course looks at gas metal arc welding with special reference to aluminum components.

Body and Frame Repair :- Again, presented in three advancing classes, this Auto Body Repair Techniques course begins with an overview and introduction to all aspects of vehicle construction, major body sections, driveline configurations, and bumper system. It then continues to assessing and performing appropriate body panel and assembly repairs, as well as dismantling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling reinforced rigid plastic-bodied vehicles. Finally, this Auto Body Repair Techniques courses wraps up with more advanced techniques and procedures for performing damage analysis and repair using standard alignment equipment.

To graduate, Auto Body Repair Techniques students must achieve a minimum D grade in all subjects with an overall GPA of 2.0. Students finish auto body school program with an Ontario College Certificate recognized by the auto industry and the opportunity to apply credits toward their apprenticeship requirements.