FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS COLFF-CT Collision Repair and Refinishing

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Overview

  • One-year certificate
  • September entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg 
  • Mandatory Work Integrated Learning
  • Credit transfer opportunities: Credit towards apprenticeship program trade certification
  • This program usually fills with Manitoba residentsOut-of-province applicants may apply to this program but will only be considered should seats be available three months prior to the program start date.
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.

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.

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

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.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S)
      • Grade 10 Science (20F)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
    • English Language Requirements (ELRs)
        • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
          Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?

      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.

      1. Academic Requirement
        • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
          • One credit of each of the following courses:
            • Grade 10 English (20F)
            • Grade 10 Applied Math (20S), Pre-Calculus Math (20S), or Grade 11 Consumer Math (30S) or Essential Math (30S)
            • Grade 10 Science (20F)
              or
          • RRC's Academic Foundations program
        • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
        • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
          and
      2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

      English Language Assessments

      English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
      L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
      AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
      Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
      8786
      CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
      60506050
      CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
      Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
      8786
      Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

      * MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

      There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

      Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

      0*0*0*0*
      IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
      Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
      6.56.06.55.5
      LSI (Language Studies International)
      6.56.56.56.5
      PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
      58505842
      Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
      This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
      6.56.06.55.5
      Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
      6.56.06.55.5
      TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
      To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
      20181918

      Who Should Enrol?

      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.

      Locations, Dates and Fees

      Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

      Location Start Date Apply Link
      Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

      Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

      Program/Student Fees
      Year 1
      $6,605.00
      Books and Supplies
      Year 1
      $1,006.00
      Program/Student Fees (International)
      Year 1
      $19,142.00

      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.

      Courses and Descriptions

      (Click the course name to view the description of the course)
      Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
      In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
      ACCR-9004AC-043 Accreditation Level 1
      More Information

      (No description available at this time)

      AUTO-1279Service Advisor
      More Information

      This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of the Service Advisor in the Transportation industry.

      Prerequisites:
      SAFE-1101
      FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
      AUTO-1550Vehicle Construction and Safety Features
      More Information

      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. 

      Prerequisites:
      SAFE-1101 and AUTO-1150 are corequisites
      AUTO-1551Fundamentals of Metal Work
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      SAFE-1101 and AUTO-1551 are corequisites
      AUTO-1552Metal Work Applications
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      SAFE-1101 and AUTO-1552 are corequisites
      AUTO-2066Plastic, Composite, and Glass Repair
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      AUTO-2067Surface Preparation and Refinishing Applications
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      AUTO-2068Project Repair and Refinishing
      More Information

      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. 

      Prerequisites:
      AUTO-2095Advanced Electrical
      More Information

      (No description available at this time)

      Prerequisites:
      AUTO-2100Refinishing Techniques
      More Information

      (No description available at this time)

      Prerequisites:
      Take SAFE-1101.
      AUTO-2101Frames and Structural Repair
      More Information

      (No description available at this time)

      Prerequisites:
      Take SAFE-1101.
      COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
      More Information

      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. 

      FIEL-1279Service Advisor Field Experience
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      SAFE-1101
      FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
      FIEL-2000Field Experience
      More Information

      Students will have the opportunity of gaining valuable real-life field experience with an industry partner of their choice or one chosen by a core instructor. During this time, the student will shadow a licensed technician and observe actual repair and diagnostic techniques. Students will be responsible for recording all tasks and repairs into a College-issued Log Book during their time out in industry.

      Prerequisites:
      Academic Requisites/Eligibility: You must have successfully completed all first-year courses and maintained a GPA of 2.0 or better in your program. These requirements apply right up until the start of work placement. An arranged placement may be canceled should a student fail to fulfill the eligibility requirements.
      MATH-1196Math
      More Information

      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.

      SAFE-1028WHMIS
      More Information

      The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

      SAFE-1101Shop Safety and Tools
      More Information

      (No description available at this time)

      SCIE-1023Science
      More Information

      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.

      SEMR-9209General Safety Training
      More Information

      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.

      TRAN-1003Electrical Foundations
      More Information

      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.

      Prerequisites:
      WELD-1104MIG Welding
      More Information

      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.

      Computer/Laptop Requirements

      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.

      Transfer Credit Opportunities

      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

      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.

      Other Information

      Further information on this program is available on the Transportation Trades team site:


      Graduation Requirements

      For students registered in the Collision Repair and Refinishing program with a 2021-2022 Catalogue year, the requirements to graduate are as follows:

      A minimum overall program GPA of 2.0 (as per RRC Policy A12)
      A minimum passing course grade requirement of D (50%)
      Accreditation for level 1 is achieved by completion of all courses and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
      Students need to complete all compulsory courses plus ONE elective course.

      Employment Potential

      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.

      Academic Advising Service
      Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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      Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.