Overview
Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; repair and/or replace automotive glass and repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars. Damage repair estimators assess the degree of damage to a vehicle and estimate the cost of parts and labour. They are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops, automobile appraisal centres and by motor vehicle manufacturers. This unit group also includes metal repairers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians
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 soldering equipment or use plastic filler to fill holes, dents and seams
Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills using wrenches and cutting torch and bolt or weld replacement parts into place
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 brush or spray guns
Repair and replace glass components such as windshields, windows and sunroofs
Repair or replace interior components, such as seat frame assembly, carpets and floorboard insulation
Inspect repaired vehicles and test drive vehicles for proper handling.
Automobile damage repair estimator
Inspect vehicle and estimate the costs and times for the repair and restoration of the vehicle
Write report on damage and cost estimate
Plan and coordinate work processes with the technicians
Follow automobile industry safety norms and standards
Provide customer service, such as answering all customer inquiries and explaining the complete repair process
Follow up with insurance companies for claim related correspondence
Order parts and material
Maintain accurate documentation and obtain customer signatures
Oversee final repairs for appearance and quality of work.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$39,626
$62,568
$85,510
Job openings
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British Columbia
546expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Auto body and collision technicians
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- to four-year auto body and collision damage technician apprenticeship program or a combination of over three years of work experience in the auto body and collision technician trade and completion of a professional or college automotive body repair program is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
Trade certification for auto body and collision technician is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
With experience, auto body, collision and refinishing technicians and tradespersons and automobile damage repair estimators may progress to supervisory positions.
Metal repairers employed in motor vehicle manufacturing may progress to motor vehicle repairer positions through an apprenticeship program, or, with experience, they may progress to supervisory positions in motor vehicle manufacturing.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Auto Body Collision
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators in B.C.
- Auto Body and Collision Technician Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Auto Body Collision
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a motor vehicle body repairer in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Auto Body and Collision Technician Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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