<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Automotive Repair and Refinishing diploma help students learn top skills and techniques used to restore damaged vehicles including bodywork, refinishing, painting, and auto glass repair.

Automotive Repair and Refinishing Diploma (International Cohort)

Vancouver Community College

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Automotive Refinishing Technicians work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicle finishes once body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive refinishing technician completes include: removing layers of old coatings; matching colours and mixing paints; preparing surfaces for painting by spot filling, sanding, and masking; applying primers, primer surfacers,
sealers, base coats, single-stage and clear coats; cleaning and polishing painted surfaces; and applying protective coatings.

Many Automotive Refinishing Technicians work in close contact with Auto Body and Collision Technicians who tend to work in multi-shop companies, independent or dealership auto body and collision shops. Automotive refinishing duties may overlap with Auto Body and Collision Technicians’ duties, particularly in small shops. In larger places of employment, Automotive Refinishing Technicians likely work as specialists after body repairs have been completed. They may also work with estimators, partspersons, detailers, preppers, glass installers and production managers. While they may work as part of the repair team, Automotive Refinishing Technicians tend to work independently. They may work in the automotive, truck and transport, commercial transport, heavy equipment, motorcycle, specialty vehicle, aviation and aerospace sectors.

For detailed information on the scope of knowledge and skills taught and assessed in this program refer to the Program Outline, available on the SkilledTradesBC website. 

Automotive Refinishing Technicians work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicle finishes once body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive refinishing technician completes include: removing layers of old coatings; matching colours and mixing paints; preparing surfaces for painting by spot filling, sanding, and masking; applying primers, primer surfacers,
sealers, base coats, single-stage and clear coats; cleaning and polishing painted surfaces; an

Automotive Refinishing Technician

1. English 10 or Academic IELTS 5.0 overall (no band less than 4.5) or TOEFL iBT 60 or equivalent
2. High-school graduation certificate or equivalent
3. Apprentice and Workplace Math 10 or [equivalent](https://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/admissions-and-registration/english-math-and-science-requirements/other-math-equivalencies/)
4. Department Leader approval based on relevant trade experience.


Note: Applicants must have minimum basic computer skills and access to an internet-connected computer/mobile device.

1. Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
2. International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
3. Applicants must submit [official transcripts and educational documents](https://www.vcc.ca/international/future-students/apply/how-to-apply/) as required by their course or program.
4. All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit [VCC International - English Requirements](https://www.vcc.ca/international/future-students/apply/english-requirements/).
5. Recommended characteristics:
   * Personal hygiene, grooming and appearance acceptable to a service industry;
   * Good hand dexterity for operating equipment and machines;
   * Command of oral and written English;
   * Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction;
   * Good general health and respiratory condition;
   * Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy parts and equipment as required by the program;
   * Ability to tolerate noise and vibration;
   * Mechanical aptitude and interest;
   * Good hand-eye coordination;
   * Good eyesight and colour vision;
   * Good line, form and depth perception;
   * Possession of valid driver's license.

Program seats will be available on a first-qualified, first-offered basis.

When you are ready to apply, use our [pre-application checklist](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/go/resources) to make sure you have everything you need, and visit our [How-to guides page](https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/help) for more information.

Automotive Repair and Refinishing Diploma (International Cohort)

Vancouver Community College

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