Auto Body Technician

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Auto body technicians repair and replace damaged motor vehicle structures and body parts, and interior and exterior finishes.Journeyperson auto body technicians may specialize in damage appraisal, frame straightening, surface preparation, sheet metal work, and refinishing.After preparing or reviewing motor vehicle repair estimate reports, auto body technicians:

use frame machines to straighten bent frames and unitized bodies,
remove badly damaged sections of vehicles (e.g. roof, rear body panels, etc.) and weld in new sections,
repair damage to body panels and weld sheet metal,
apply masking to the bumpers, windows and trim and use a spray gun to apply primer. The auto body technician will then clean and smooth the surface before applying the finish,
repair and/or replace interior and exterior components such as instrument panels, seat frame assemblies, carpets and floorboard insulation, trim panels and mouldings,
replace accident damage components in hybrid systems, airbags and restraint systems, and
inspect vehicles for dimensional accuracy and test drive them to ensure proper alignment and handling.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices, and
Certified Journeypersons.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Trade Updates

First period classroom instruction increased in September 2017 from 4 to 6 weeks. Refer to Auto Body Technician FYI from May 2017.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for an auto body technician is 4 years (four 12 month periods). This includes 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year; 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the second year; 1590 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction in the third years; and 1590 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction in the fourth year. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Auto Body Technician are: A minimum of 72 months AND 9,360 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. Two successful practical exams: $78.00 (Exam A) and $108.00 (Exam B). Recognized Credentials The requirements for an Auto Body Technician are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam. Two successful practical exams: $78.00 (Exam A) and $108.00 (Exam B).

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for an auto body technician is 4 years (four 12 month periods). This includes 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year; 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the second year; 1590 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction in the third years; and 1590 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of classroom instruction in the fourth year.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Auto Body Technician are:

A minimum of 72 months AND 9,360 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
Two successful practical exams:
- $78.00 (Exam A) and
- $108.00 (Exam B).

Recognized Credentials The requirements for an Auto Body Technician are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.
Two successful practical exams:
- $78.00 (Exam A) and
- $108.00 (Exam B).

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Auto Body Prepper

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Auto Body Prepper

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

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