
Program Highlights
Learn state-of-the-art skills in automotive repair and restoration, qualifying graduates for Level 1 apprenticeship technical training for both Auto Body Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing Technician . Students will participate in a work placement, that will introduce students to real workplace environments, as well as provide perspectives to industry standards and expectations.
Tuition and Fees
2021-22: $5,722.54
- Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee,Development fee.
- All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
- International students will pay International tuition fees
Program Details
If you have any questions about how a course or program is delivered, you can check the Trades website, email the Department Chair or email the Trades & Apprenticeship office:
Apprenticeship: apprenticeship@okanagan.bc.ca
Foundation and General Interest: trades@okanagan.bc.ca
This 36-week (1080 hour) program has been designed to take a student with little or no previous experience in the automotive collision repair trades and supply them with the necessary skills to seek employment in this industry as an apprentice. Courses in this program follow the Industry training authority's automotive Collision and Refinishing common core level 1 and will introduce students to the many aspects of the automotive collision repair trades with a focus on developing practical skills.
Graduates of this program will receive Industry Training Authority (ITA) credit for Automotive Collision and Refinishing common core level 1 technical training and will also receive 625 work-based hours towards either their Automotive Collision Repair apprenticeship or 450 hours toward their Automotive Refinishing apprenticeship but not both.
Make yourself indispensable! This program opens the door to two different career pathways and three different certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive credit for their Level 1 Motor Vehicle Body Repairer and certification as an Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician, upon passing the exam. With these two achievements, students are able to pursue certification as a Red Seal Motor Vehicle Body Repairer and Red Seal Automotive Painter (prerequisite is Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician).
In addition, to provide our students with a complete learning experience, this program includes a two week work-term where students work alongside apprentices and Red Seal technicians in an industry shop. This experience orients students to an actual work situation and will help them determine the type of shop environment in which they would like to pursue a career.
Textbooks and supplies required for the Entry Level Automotive Collision and Refinishing Program:
- Auto Body Repair Technician 7th edition - $194.49 plus GST
5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change. Textbooks available at OC Campus Store by contacting 250-762-5445 ext. 4586 or ordering though the online store.
Other required supplies:
- 3 ring binder/notebooks
- Pencils, pens, erasers
- Access to a Windows-based computer is mandatory
- Coveralls
- CSA-approved (green tag) safety boots
All other safety equipment will be supplied. Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver’s licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student card is not acceptable.
Applicants who have not satisfied the Math admission requirement within the last seven years, and/or do not meet the English admission requirement, must write the TEA Math and/or English test. Both of the assessments are online, multiple-choice and timed. Applicants are allotted 1 hour to complete each section (2 hours for both). A practice assessment and study resources are offered to all applicants who register to write the TEA. Calculators are not allowed while completing the Math section; applicants who are observed to use a calculator of any sort, will receive a grade of zero. Applicants who do not achieve the minimum passing requirement on their initial attempt, are offered a second attempt, at no additional cost, after a two-week study period.
Please ensure you write the assessment, and any required re-writes, prior to the deadline for admissions requirements, provided by the Registrar’s office. For more information or to register for the Trades Entrance Assessment, click here. Further questions can be directed to the Trades and Apprenticeship office at trades@okanagan.bc.ca.
Please note: Applicants who successfully completed the ABLE test at Okanagan College, within the two years prior to application for admission shall have their results accepted as equivalent to the Trades Entrance Assessment.
Admission Requirements
- B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
- English 10 with minimum 50% or alternatives.
- Math requirement:
A minimum of 50% in any of:
- Mathematics 10
- Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10
- Workplace Mathematics 10
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10
- Adult Basic Education MATH 071 and MATH 072
The TEA mathematics Test scores are only good for two (2) years.
Applicants who have not satisfied the Math requirement within the last seven (7) years must write the Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA) Mathematics test and must receive a minimum of 50%.
Program Outline
Program Schedule: September to May
Textbooks: $194. 49 approximately
Minimum passing grade is a GGA of seventy per cent (70%) with no less than fifty per cent (50%) per course.
Additional Information
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