Part of the Trades, Manufacturing & Transportation (TMT) cluster
Auto Body is more than fixing dents and painting cars — it’s a gateway to multiple career paths, industry connections, and hands-on skills that students can use for life. Whether you dream of becoming a Red Seal Journeyman, opening your own custom shop, or just want to learn skills you’ll use on your own projects and hobbies, this program opens the door.
At CTC Auto Body, students train in a professional-grade shop, learning the same tools, techniques, and technologies used in industry today. With every project, confidence grows, opportunities expand, and students discover just how far their skills can take them.
What you'll learn:
- Students gain real experience in areas such as:
- Precision hand tools & pneumatic tools
- Sheet metal fabrication (bending, shrinking, stretching, cutting)
- MIG welding for sheet metal repair
- Plastic & fibreglass part repairs
- Dent removal & body filler shaping
- Prep for refinishing: sanding, priming, masking
- Full refinishing with up-to-date paint systems
- Final detailing & delivery standards
Learning happens in an industry-standard auto body shop, blending theory lessons with hands-on practice. As skills grow, projects become more challenging — from small panels to complete customer vehicles.
How the program works:
1. Introductory Level – First Steps Into the Trade (Single Block Only)
- Build your own mini-tool box and create your own mini hood.
- Learn the full process: repair, filler, primer, preparation, and custom paint.
- Gain introductory detailing experience by cleaning customer vehicles.
- Complete courses such as:
- HCS 3000: Workplace Safety Systems
- MEC1015: Tools & Materials
- MEC2010: Detailing
- MEC1165: Welding Fundamentals
- MEC1190: Surface Preparation 1
Students usually earn 6 credits at this level.
2. Intermediate Level – From Panels to Projects (Available Single or Double Block)
- Students receive a donated full fender as their core project.
- Repair and refinish the fender to professional standards before moving deeper.
- Once the fender is complete, students begin customer repair work.
- Course highlights:
- MEC3160: Repair Estimation
- MEC2170: Metal Repair
- MEC2200: Refinishing 1
- MEC3020: Appraisal
- MEC2180: Trim Replacement
Students typically earn 5-10 credits at this level.
3. Advanced Level – Advanced Auto Body Repair (Available Single or Double Block)
- Take on real customer vehicles from start to finish.
- Learn structural welding, advanced damage analysis, glass, and refinishing.
- Projects include panel replacement, custom fabrication, and multi-stage paint.
- Courses include:
- MEC3170: Damage Analysis
- MEC3180: Damage Repair 1
- MEC3220: Glass
- MEC3230: Refinishing 3
Students typically earn up to 10 credits at this stage.
4. Auto Body Apprenticeship – Industry-Ready (Double Block Mornings Only)
- Customer work is the core focus.
- Students follow post-secondary modules and prepare for the First-Year Apprenticeship Exam.
- Modules include:
- ABA3420: Surface Preparation
- ABA3425: Masking
- ABA3430: Undercoating
- ABA3440–3445: Practicum A–C
Safety & Teamwork
The shop operates like an industry workplace. Students must:
- Wear coveralls & safety glasses at all times.
- Follow strict tool, material, and paint booth safety.
- Work as a team and show up ready — attendance & punctuality matter.
- Unsafe practices = loss of shop privileges.
Why Choose CTC Auto Body?
- Hands-On Learning: From your first fender to a full customer car.
- Industry Exposure: Learn modern tools and technologies.
- Multiple Pathways: Career trades, custom hobby work, or apprenticeship prep.
- Confidence Building: Every project builds skill, leadership, and pride.
- Real Impact: Student work helps the community while preparing for industry.