Description
This program provides you with a basic working knowledge of all areas of metal working and spray painting. You will develop the skills and knowledge to repair damaged vehicles, including all phases of autobody repair and painting.
You will learn to weld and use trade tools and how to work with and shape sheet metal. You will also learn the techniques required to realign and straighten the bodies and frames of cars. The program also teaches proper methods of patching, finishing, and preparing a panel for paint application.
You will learn how to perform the necessary repairs and replacements to restore vehicles to their pre-damaged condition, and how to determine how much and what kind of work is needed for each vehicle.
Safety in the work environment is stressed.
Environmentally friendly high-volume and low-pressure spray equipment is used along with Low V.O.C. refinishing products.
Prior to starting the program, you will be invited to attend a program overview information session. You will also be invited to participate in a math and reading skills diagnostic testing session that will advise you of your program readiness.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Scores for Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, and Post Graduate Certificates, Post-graduate Diplomas | Minimum Scores for Bachelor Degrees and Creative Communication |
|---|---|---|
| CAEL Online or In-Person | Overall band score of 60 | Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60 |
| IELTS Academic Level | Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 | Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 |
| Password Skills | Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 | Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 |
| LINC Certificate | 7 | 8 |
| Duolingo Language Test | 115 and above+ with a min. of 95 in each section | 125 and above with a min. of 100 in each section |
| New English for Academic and Professional Purposes | Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) | Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) |
| PTE | 54 overall Min 50 in each skill |
60 overall Min 55 in each skill band |
| TOEFL-ibt Academic Level | 80 (20L, 20S, 19R, 21W) |
90 (22L, 22S, 22R, 24W) |
| Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE) | Successful Completion | Successful Completion |
| CELBAN | N/A | N/A |
Because heavy lifting is involved, you must be in good physical condition. You should have a mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity, and be trade- and goal-oriented. Colour blindness could interfere with your progress in this program.
You should be in good physical and respiratory condition because of the physical aspects of the work environment and constant exposure to refinishing products.
As the program may run until 6 pm from time to time to accommodate scheduling of related courses, prospective students should be prepared for occasional late shifts at the College.
| Location | Start Date | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame Campus | Jan 05, 2026 | Apply Now |
| Notre Dame Campus | Aug 31, 2026 | Apply Now |
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.
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This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of the Service Advisor in the Transportation industry.
During this course, students will learn the theoretical principles and practical procedures underpinning the removal and replacement of major structural, functional, and non-functional parts of vehicles. Topics include safety features, manuals, tools, old technology versus new technology, body/frame construction, trim components and quality control. In the practical component of this course, students will integrate theoretical knowledge with the skills required for practical applications. Student will be able to remove and replace bolt-on functional and non-functional parts and make the necessary adjustments to ensure proper fitment and operation of parts.
During this foundational course, students will learn the theoretical principles and practical procedures underpinning metal straightening of damaged vehicles. Student will exercise theoretical knowledge of metallurgy and metal straightening which also provides the opportunity to develop practical skills in metal straightening, shrinking, filling, and proper use of tools on various damaged projects.
This course builds on the principles and procedures acquired in Fundamentals of Metal Work to provide students with further knowledge and skills in the alignment and replacement of more severe and complicated sheet metal damage. Students will be repairing more severe and complicated sheet metal damage involving the use of hydraulic equipment to apply a corrective force. Students will also develop metal shaping skills in forming and installing rust repair patches.
During this course, students will learn the theoretical principles and practical procedures underpinning the repair and replacement of automotive glass and flexible (plastic/composite) panels. Students will also integrate theoretical knowledge with the skills required for practical applications. Tasks performed will include auto glass repair and replacement as well as the identification and repair of various flexible (plastic) panels.
During this course, students will learn the theoretical principles and practical procedures underpinning basic paint preparation, application of modern refinishing materials using appropriate spraying equipment and post-refinishing operations. Theoretical topics will cover WHMIS practices, common refinishing terminology, basic paint preparation systems, products, equipment, and application procedures. In the practical component of this course, students will integrate theoretical knowledge with the skills required for practical applications using the proper products, equipment, and procedures. Personal protection and safe handling of hazardous products is emphasized.
During this course, students will apply knowledge and skills learned throughout prior courses on various projects. Topics will include metal-working, application of repair materials, surface preparation, masking, and application of refinishing materials. Personal protection and safe work practices are emphasized. Once repairs are complete, students will apply their knowledge of vehicle detailing procedures and assemble projects. Throughout the course, students will be responsible for completing trade-related documents pertaining to the projects as well as refining their employability skills in preparation for Field Experience.
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Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
This is the field experience portion of the Service Advisor course. In this course the students will spend time in the industry, shadowing and learning from a service advisor.
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use mathematics with precision, resourcefulness and confidence as it applies to the automotive service trade. Beginning with a review of basic mathematical operations, this course of study will progress towards the more advanced mathematical topic areas that an automotive service technician needs to work with in order to perform the tasks of the trade in an effective and accurate fashion.
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This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about the basic scientific principles on which the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems of the automobile are based. Matter and energy, heat and thermodynamics, metallurgy, simple machines, basic hydraulics, basic electricity and basic engine fundamentals and engine performance calculations are the areas that will be covered in this course.
This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge of relevant electrical principles and ideas used on modern vehicles and equipment. The course will look at terminology, design, and components used in electrical circuits. Series and parallel circuits, diagnostic test equipment usage, schematics, symbols, and theory and maintenance of batteries will be covered.
This course will introduce and equip students with basic theoretical knowledge of GMAW (MIG or semi-automatic). Students will learn different machine types and related equipment, the gases used in GMAW, how to identify filler wires, and various transfer methods. They will also learn how GMAW is applied to different metals.
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:
1. Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
2. A high speed internet connection
• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.
Apprenticeship opportunities
Upon graduation, and to advance in this field, you can obtain trade certification by joining the apprenticeship program and work toward Journeyperson status. Upon employment as an apprentice, you may be granted up to one level of in-school training towards paint apprenticeship.
For more information about the apprenticeship program in Manitoba, contact:
Apprenticeship Manitoba
Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
100 - 111 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 0T4
Phone 204-945-3337
Fax 204-948-2346
Toll-Free: 1-877-978-7233 (1-877-97-TRADE)
Email: apprenticeship@gov.mb.ca
https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Many graduates have found employment as autobody mechanics, metal finishers, painters' preppers, and bodyframe specialists. Others are employed as claims adjusters, collision estimators or shop supervisors.