Trades in Alberta
On this page:
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- Trades Qualifier Program
- Employment in the Trade
Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher
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.
2-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification
Explore this trade on alis.alberta.ca.
Apprenticeship Education Program
Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.
Credential
- Certificate
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 2 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1620 hours work experience per period
- 6 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 6 weeks in all periods
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2, Math 10-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1620 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
Trades Qualifier Program
If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.
Work Experience Program
- Complete 36 months and 4860 hours of verifiable Auto Body Refinisher work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Electrician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 55%
- Period 2: 70%
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.