Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer (Branch I) ABC

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

Apprenticeship programs are run at Fanshawe College in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. You can not apply to an apprenticeship program through www.ontariocolleges.ca. Your first step is finding an employer who will support you in your apprenticeship training. The employer must register you as an apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. For more information on the process, please see the Fanshawe Apprenticeship website.

Prospective students, who do not have an employer or wish to explore a mechanical career before doing an apprenticeship, may want to consider the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) program at Fanshawe College. This program provides much of the in-school portion of an apprenticeship.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to refer to and follow the technical manuals which are written in terse abbreviated language.

Math & Science Basic math skills needed, grade 12 math recommended.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal for course material).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Mechanical aptitude and interest
• The strength and stamina required to handle heavy tools and parts
• Manual dexterity
• Creativity, patience, and an eye for detail
• Good colour vision
• The ability to keep up to date with the annual changes manufacturers make in plastics, electronics, metals, supplemental restraints and paints
• Good customer services skills
• A commitment to safe work habits 

Useful background experience for this program would be

High school automotive classes, Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) in Transportation, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) an asset but not required.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Licensed Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer Br. 1 (Motor Vehicle Body Repairer).

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Usually work a 40 hour, five day week with occasional overtime required
• Work indoors in a noisy environment
• May be required to lift and move items that weigh up to 25 kilograms
• Although most shops are well ventilated, the work involves exposure to dust and fumes

Places you may find yourself employed include

Auto body repair shops, automobile and truck dealerships, custom shops and sometimes by companies with vehicle fleets.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Review damage report and estimates of repair cost and plan work to be performed
• Repair and replace front end components, body components, doors and frame and underbody components
• Hammer out dents, buckles and other defects using blocks and hammers
• Operate welding equipment or use of fillers to level minor surface imperfections
• Remove damaged panels and components using various industry-standard tooling
• Straighten bent frames using frame and underbody pulling and anchoring equipment
• File, grind and sand repaired body surfaces using hand and power tools
• Mask and tape auto body surfaces in preparation for painting
• Mix paint, blend and match colours
• Apply primers and repaint surfaces using spraying equipment
• Repair and replace glass components such as windshields, windows and sunroofs
• Repair or replace interior components, such as seat frame assemblies, carpets and panel insulation
• Inspect repaired vehicles and test drive vehicles for proper handling

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Links to learn more about apprenticeship in general

• www.apprenticesearch.com
• The Apprenticeship Network
• Apprenticetrades.ca
• Ontario College of Trades
• Employer apprenticeship incentives

Links to learn more about this career

• Automotive Service Association (ASA)
• National Auto Body Council (from the United States)
• Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA)
• www.canadiantechnician.com
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: June 1, 2022