Collision repair student grinding down a vehicle panel

Program Explorer

Collision Repair and Refinishing

Take it from crashed to cruising with a career in automobile repair.

Build the versatile skills you need for an entry-level position in a collision repair facility and take the first step in defining your professional and entrepreneurial journey.

Through the Collision Repair and Refinishing program, you will develop the essential metalworking and painting skills you need to repair and refinish vehicles professionally.

Using our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll learn to realign and straighten frames, shape and weld sheet metal and repair and paint vehicle panels using industry-standard equipment. You’ll also develop technical and business knowledge, build professional communication skills and learn to assess damage and estimate repair costs.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $6,300 – $7,000
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll develop the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to repair cosmetic and structural damage professionally.

TERM 1

Explore the fundamentals of vehicle construction, build safe work skills and learn essential welding and metal forming techniques.

TERM 2

Repair, paint, refinish and reassemble individual panels and entire vehicles according to industry standards.

TERM 3

Gain work experience, meet employers and expand your professional network by completing a field placement at an automotive collision repair facility.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Motor vehicle body repair technician
  • Automotive painter
  • Auto glass technician
  • Trim and finish technician
  • Frame and alignment specialist
  • Paint preparation technician
  • Insurance claims adjuster
  • Collision repair estimator
  • Shop supervisor
  • Body repair team leader
  • Automotive detailer
  • Auto body shop owner

AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Collision repair student prepping a vehicle panel
Repair and refinish autobody panels in our state-of-the-art facilities, building your confidence and expertise before entering this rewarding industry.
Collision repair student straightening a vehicle panel with a mallet
Unlock your potential with small classes. Take the time to explore modern facilities, collaborate with peers and get one-on-one support from instructors.
Collision repair student working on a vehicle panel in a shop
Make it look as good as new. Learn to repair and refinish vehicles using professional, industry-standard techniques.
Collision repair student sanding down a vehicle panel while wearing a protective face shield
Build practical experience using the same modern equipment as industry experts.

Graduate Success

Many Collision Repair and Refinishing graduates find employment as autobody mechanics, metal finishers, painters’ preppers and body/frame specialists, while others work as claims adjusters, collision estimators and shop supervisors. No matter your position, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make a difference in the industry.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Collision repair student sanding down a vehicle panel while wearing a respirator

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

RRC Polytech instructors are passionate experts with strong ties to their industries. By taking advantage of their knowledge and expertise, you’ll develop the insight and practical work experience you need to lead, succeed and innovate from day one.

86% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Collision Repair and Refinishing students develop important experience using state-of-the-art equipment to graduate career ready. They find entry-level employment in their industry and have the skills, knowledge and attitude to expand their potential and continue their lifelong learning journey.

Collision repair student working on a vehicle in a shop
Collision repair student painting a vehicle panel

100% – CONSIDER PROGRAM UP TO DATE

Our programs are created in consultation with industry partners, employers and expert instructors. These professional partnerships ensure the skills you develop at RRC Polytech are up to date, aligned with industry needs and ready for future change.

“After graduating from Collision Repair and Refinishing, I successfully landed a job, completed my apprenticeship and received my Red Seal as an automotive painter.”

Sage Greenlay – Automotive Painter
Capital Ford Winnipeg

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Collision Repair and Refinishing student, you enjoy working with your hands and take pride in creating the best possible products. You can also plan and imagine your ideal end-product before starting a project. As a successful student, you enjoy exploring new techniques, creating practical solutions, constantly improving your abilities and persevering through challenging tasks.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Challenge-driven
  • Creative
  • Detail-oriented
  • Independent
  • Logical thinker

SKILLS

  • Dependability
  • Lifelong learning
  • Multi-tasking
  • Positive attitude
  • Time management

INTERESTS

  • Auto refinishing
  • Autobody repair (restoration)
  • Welding
  • Vehicle disassembly and assembly
  • Glass repair and replacement
  • Autobody painting

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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