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1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 0M6| Phone: 604-939-9201| Contact Us
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
Learning for a Lifetime
Staff Email my43 loginOffice 365 Legacy Webmail
Auto Collision & Refinishing Tech

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Occupation Description: 
Auto Body and Collision Technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicles. They assess body damage and develop repair estimates and repair plans. Their repair work may include repairing scratches, minor damage, dents and extensive structural damage. Some components may need to be removed for access during repairs. Vehicle components that are damaged beyond repair are replaced. The alignment and replacement of suspension and steering components is also per​formed in​ this trade. Technicians may restore interior components of vehicles. They may work with mechanical and electronic components such as air conditioning (A/C) systems, exhaust systems, drivetrain, engine cooling systems, advanced electronic components (adaptive cruise control and lane departure features), and passenger restraint systems (seat belts and air bags).

Application Process/Steps
  • November 1 - (pre) Spring Break​
    • look over all the information below and in the right column - get a good
       understanding of the pre-reqs, expectations, time commitment, ​​ ​reading, math, training      , etc​
      • if you have no questions, please apply for the program(s)
      • ​still have questions? ​book an appointment to talk to the Principal Benjamin King, to learn more: Booking App​
    • student competes the SD43 application (top link in the right column)
    • submits to your high school counselor (usually in gr 11 for the gr 12 school year)​ 
  • ​(post) Spring Break - late April
    • personal interview/conversation with district coordinator 
  • mid-May into June
    • students are conditionally accepted (or not) into programs (notified by email) 
    • applicable enrolment at the training site is made (by district coordinator)
    • counselors will adjust timetables accordingly​​ for following school year
​Students: feel free to contact Benjamin via email (​bking@sd43.bc.ca) or text/call (778-984-1354) at anytime during the application process.

Pre-Requisites​​

  • look at the topics you will be covering while at either:
  • given those post secondaries, must have:
    • a plan for English 12
    • a Math 11 ("C+")
    • any Automotive 11
  • recommended: metal 11​
  • excellent attendance + lates record while in high school​​

Time Commitment

  • offered at two locations
    • VCC
      • two intakes:
        • Sept. 6, 2022 - May 19, 2023
        • Feb. 13, 2023 - Oct. 12, 2023 ​
      • 35 weeks (no Spring and/or Summ​er Breaks, or pro-d days)
      • Monday to Thursday (no school on Fridays)
      • ​8.00am to 3.00pm
    • BCIT
      • two intakes:
        • ​Sept. 6, 2022 - June 22, 2023
        • Jan. 9, 2023 - Dec​. 1, 2023​
      • 40 weeks (no Spring and/or Summer Breaks, or pro-d days)
        • ​longer program due to more practicums (work experience) in the community 
      • Monday to Thursday (no school on Fridays)
      • ​8.00am to 3.00pm

Student Cost

  • tuition-free, but students will need to pay about $1,800 for course materials,
    textbook, tools, respirator, etc.​

Locations + Transportation​​

  • Transportation, to and from the training site(s), is the responsibility of the parent/guardian
    • Skytrain is probably the best transportation option
  • VCC
    • "Broadway Campus" - 1155 East Broadway, Vancouver
  • BCIT
    • "Burnaby Campus" - 3700 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby

Skills + Attributes​

  • Good hand dexterity for operating equipment and machines
  • ​Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction
  • Good general h​ealth and respiratory condition
  • Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • Mechanical aptitude and interest
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Good eyesight and colour vision (including depth perception)
​Student Eligibility
  • this program is made up different districts filling the 16 seats -
    traditionally Coquitlam SD43 has had 1-2 students enrolled 
  • students typically take this program in their grade 12 year after taking all the necessary/core grade 11 subjects
  • students must begin a program prior to June 30 of their graduation year
    • ex 1:  a Program begins in March and runs for 23 weeks - this is okay for a current grade 12 student​ to apply to
    • ex 2:  a program will begin in September ​after a grade 12 has graduated - that current grade 12 should not apply as they will not be accepted​​
  • must have government-issued photo ID (ex: a driver's license, BC ​ID, passport) that is current/valid on the ​ITA exam date (last week or so of program)​
  • on intake date, students must be:
    • a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
    • an enrolled student in a high school (non-grad) in SD43​
  • unfortunately, international students are not able to enroll in this program​

 

 

 

Have questions about this program?
Book a meeting with ​Ben King, 
Principal of Trades & Transitions​​

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 Auto Collision & Ref Tech Links
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School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)

1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam BC
V3J 0M6 604-939-9201 604-939-7828
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