Information

AREA 146 Auto body, Collision, and Refinishing

This is a website explaining the basics of Auto body, Collision and Refinishing Technology program offered in Halton at NELSON High School and some of the careers this program leads to, photos of the Auto body shop and some examples of students' work and assignments they have done in the Auto body, collision and refinishing courses offered at NELSON HIGH SCHOOL.

What is auto body?

Auto body is a labor enforced job under transportation. Automotive repair shops (auto body shops) that specialize in bodywork repair are known as body shops. They offer paintwork repairs to scratches, scuffs and dents, as well as repairs to the bodies of vehicles damaged by collisions. Some of the careers in auto body are auto body designer, auto technician, auto body paint technician, and automotive technology teacher.

The Auto Collision and Refinishing program provides students with exposure to the science of collision damage analytics and repair.

 As the automotive world moves to increased use of ultra high-strength and lightweight materials as well as increased autonomy, the collision repair industry is moving toward aviation style rules, regulations, and procedures.

 Students will learn elements of metallurgy while identifying the multiple types of aluminum and steel materials used in modern vehicle construction.

 Understanding some fundamentals of fluid dynamics is critical to refinish science, and is explored via real-world application of refinish materials.

 Physical engineering processes will be explored while students learn about concepts such as loadpathing and dynamic forces experienced by the vehicle structure during a collision as well as during the repair process.

 Cosmetic exterior damage and repair will be explored using actual, real-world vehicles and vehicle components. Students will physically identify necessary repairs, perform the repairs using actual industry products and procedures, and refinish the completed repairs using our state-of-the-art paint booth and OEM approved paints and related materials.

 Students will gain an understanding of vehicle assembly methods by learning to identify various types of vehicle fasteners and adhesives. Vehicle components will be removed and reinstalled during the process of damage identification and repair.

 As part of the program, students will begin learning to research OEM repair procedures using service manuals published by vehicle manufacturers. Procedures such as this also help to illuminate legal and ethical considerations in collision repair.

 Modern vehicles are equipped with multiple electronic systems. Students will work to understand how on-board networks function, how current-generation autonomous systems work, and how to access diagnostic information.

 Students will also be able to apply their knowledge to some fun projects, such as custom designing a football helmet or a skateboard. Students are able to specialize in this trade in grade 11 and 12, effectively starting their apprenticeship while still in high school. 

Many of our program graduates have found success working with prestigious repair facilities such as Budds Collision and Mercedes of Oakville. 

This program is foundational for career paths including:

- Collision Repair Technician 

- Automotive Refinish Technician 

- Automotive Refinish Prep Technician 

- ADAS Calibration Technician 

- Automotive Restoration/Customization Technician 

- Collision Facility Parts Manager 

- Collision Facility Production Manager 

- Automotive Detailer - Collision Damage Analyst/Estimator 

- Collision Centre Manager 

- Automotive Insurance Claims Appraiser 

- Collision Industry Technical Trainer 

- Collision Equipment/Supplies Salesperson 

- Procedures and Processes Researcher 

- Automotive Repair Reinspector