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.

Auto Body Repair Techniques at Centennial College Gets Your Career Started

If the automotive industry interests you, it is essential to learn the necessary theory and obtain practical experience to begin your career. In addition, many automotive employers expect applicants to have some form of apprenticeship training. At Centennial College, you can participate in the auto body school in Canada entitled Auto Body Repair Techniques, which accepts students with no previous experience. This goal of this post-secondary program is to help you gain the practical skills you need to open the doors to an exciting apprenticeship position or entry-level job.

 

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has approved all of the courses within the Auto Body Repair Techniques program, which has been modeled on the apprenticeship in-school program. These courses include: Body and Frame Repair, Applied Work Practices and Procedures, Refinishing, Communication Skills for Autobody, Computers for Autobody Technicians, Trade Related Mathematics and much more. As you can see, there is a clear balance between theory and hands-on training which ensures that, upon graduation, students will be employable and have the ability to work on the most current vehicles. In fact, 40 per cent of your time in the auto body school will be spent getting hands-on practice. During this practical training the Centennial College instructors will guide and support you as you learn to repair automobile bodies and prepare them for painting. They will also teach you to become comfortable with welding using MIG and oxy-acetylene equipment, auto body and frame repair, refinishing procedures and related mechanical systems. Classes are taught at Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus, which is the largest automotive training centre in the province and houses a state-of-the-art auto body repair lab. A minimum D grade in all subjects with an overall GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation. 

You will graduate from this auto body school program with an Ontario College Certificate that is recognized by the auto industry. In addition, you may also have an opportunity for credit toward your apprenticeship requirements. Lastly, the Auto Body Repair Techniques program provides opportunities for you to find full-time positions upon graduation. These positions include: auto body apprentice, apprentice painter, service advisors, appraisal trainee and parts technician. From entry-level jobs, you can move into specialized areas of the field and eventually obtain supervisor or managerial positions. 

If you’re interested in applying for this 36-week auto body program, you must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is a compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. For more information visit Centennial College.