Auto Body and Collision Repair

Overview

Autobody and Collision Repair Technicians enjoy the challenge of repairing and refinishing a wide variety of automobiles. Each new job calls on your problem-solving abilities, plus a little creativity and imagination. Equipped with a variety of technical and communication skills, you'll be able to work safely and efficiently in this ever-changing and innovative industry.

In this program, you'll learn structure analysis, procedures for welding, repairing and aligning body panels, metalworking, painting and refinishing surfaces and more. At NSCC, our education and training practices are developed in accordance with industry standards.

Work experience

• Work placement is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work placements are your responsibility.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC gives you a hands-on and theoretical approach to learning where you will apply autobody and industry standard collision repair and refinishing techniques.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Industrial safety standards dictate facial hair and headwear regulations.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

2023-24 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2023

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus	Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View details

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2022-23 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. 2023-24 tuition will be announced in the late Spring.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Auto Body and Collision Repair

Career options

• Graduates work for automotive dealerships and independent collision repair or refinishing centres.
• Occupations include autobody repairer (metal and paint), automotive painter, detailer, estimator, and parts technician.
• Opportunities also exist with truck fleet owners and bus companies.
• Learn more about labour market information. Visit Career Options

Future study options

• You require a Certificate of Qualification issued by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency to legally work in the Auto Body and Collision Technician trade in Nova Scotia.
• This program is a first step towards certification in the Auto Body and Collision Technician trade. To become certified, you must register as an apprentice with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Once registered, you can transfer credit from this program towards your apprenticeship.
• Certification with a Red Seal – Auto Body and Collision Technician is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Graduates who complete an apprenticeship program in this trade are eligible to write the provincial certification exam, receive their certification and Red Seal. The Red Seal allows certified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada – where the trade is designated – without having to write further examinations.
• Graduates may also apply for I-CAR credit certifications.