Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

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Duties and Working Conditions
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Auto body technicians in the auto body refinisher branch of the trade (auto body refinishers) conduct damage appraisals, surface preparation, minor damage repairs, masking, colour matching, priming and top coating. Auto body refinishers are responsible for the restoration of anti-corrosion treatments, substrate identification, surface preparation, product mixing and application, and accurate colour matching. Passenger safety in a unibody vehicle is dependent upon rust-free components. Auto body refinishers are involved throughout the collision-repair process, often beginning with the application of anti-corrosion compounds while the vehicle is still mounted on the frame repair equipment. Auto body refinishers also remove and install bolt-on components such as hoods, deck lids, fenders, trim, doors, glass and interior components. A key task in the auto body refinisher trade involves applying refinish products in the correct sequence, ensuring chemical compatibility, adhesion and durability. Substrate preparation can be accomplished mechanically with abrasives or chemically as required by the job conditions.

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.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for an auto body refinisher is 2 years (two 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year, and 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the second 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 (Certificate).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher are: A minimum of 36 months AND 4,860 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized Credentials The requirements for an Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for an auto body refinisher is 2 years (two 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the first year, and 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction in the second 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 (Certificate).

Trades Qualifier

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

A minimum of 36 months AND 4,860 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized Credentials The requirements for an Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

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.

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

Trades in Alberta