It is the aim of this curriculum is to provide students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop skills used in the Autobody industry and to become aware of related career opportunities.

Awareness: To create an appreciation for the autobody trade.

Consumer Knowledge: To develop knowledge to evaluate quality workmanship in the field of autobody.

Communication: To develop communication skills when relating to customers and employers in a workplace setting.

Personal Skills: To promote self-esteem and confidence through skill development in the autobody trade.

Entrepreneurship: To allow students to develop entrepreneurial skills and evaluate opportunities in the trade.

Applied Technology: To develop proficiency in the use of various tools through skill development.

Career and Employment: To become aware of careers and opportunities related to autobody in Saskatchewan and other provinces.

Automobiles and other vehicles play major roles in our society. Due to many factors, there will be vehicle collisions and the need for repairs. Sometimes there is a need to refinish or beautify vehicles.

Learning Autobody skills at the Secondary Level may offer students an opportunity for experience and/or employment in the private sector. There may also be an opportunity for students who have completed courses to apply for advanced standing in a post-secondary training program. Students may be granted time credit if they register as an apprentice following high school completion. Some students may choose to study Autobody for personal use.

Foundational objectives are the major, general statements that guide what each student is expected to achieve for the modules of the PAA curriculum guidelines. Foundational objectives indicate the most important knowledge, skills, attitudes/values and abilities for a student to learn in a subject. Foundational Objectives for Autobody 10, A20, B20, A30, B30 and the Common Essential Learnings (CELs) Foundational Objectives to be emphasized are stated in this document. Statements may be repeated or enhanced in different modules for emphasis. The Foundational Objectives of the Core Modules in Autobody 10, A20, A 30, B30 curriculum include:

• To understand and apply safe work practices in the autobody environment.
• To develop procedures for the safe use of tools and equipment.
• To handle, use and dispose of materials safely.
• To understand the appropriate use, care and maintenance of tools used for autobody repair.
• To evaluate damage to motor vehicles in order to determine corrective work procedures.
• To estimate technical measurements and time for repair.
• To recommend procedures and select appropriate products for use in autobody repair.
• To understand the various types of body construction and components of motor vehicles.
• To evaluate a vehicle in terms of suitability and condition.
• To understand the legal implications of buying and selling vehicles.
• To develop skills that may lead to finding and maintaining employment.
• To become aware of the components of a variety of jobs and career opportunities in the autobody trades.
• To understand the prerequisites required and programs offered in various post-secondary institutions.

Each Practical and Applied Arts credit is based on 100 hours of instructional time. Course configurations, for purposes of articulation with post-secondary programs within the trades (specified in Appendix A), will require the completion of specific modules. Introductory modules must precede Intermediate modules that must precede Advanced modules. See the suggested course configurations chart.

Module 1: Safety, Module 2: Auto Construction, Module 3: Hand Tools, Module 4: Power Tools, Module 5: Metal Straightening, Module 6: Filling Damage, Module 7: Panel Replacement and Module 8: Contoured Surface Rust Repair could be taught in a multi-purpose work area in a school. Both noise level and availability of the needed tools should be considered. Automotive metal panels mounted on stands could be used instead of complete automobiles if space is a problem. In addition to the Autobody modules, suggested modules from the Practical and Applied Arts Welding Curriculum Guidelines will be incorporated to teach basic skills. M.I.G. (110v power supply) and oxy-acetylene welding equipment need to be considered for inclusion in the program, if the student has no previous welding experience.

Autobody 10 is a prerequisite for Autobody A20. Autobody A20 is a prerequisite for Autobody B20, etc. Autobody A20, B20, A30 and B30 deal primarily with the repair of collision damage to vehicles. Some mechanical knowledge of steering, suspension, electrical and braking systems may be necessary. Consult the Mechanical, Automotive Studies10, A20, B20, A30, B30 Curriculum Guidelines (1999) and/or teacher. Because specialized tools and facilities may be necessary, Autobody A20, B20, A30 and B30 may need to be taught in cooperation with a community partner. A determining factor when choosing modules will be the specific damage to the vehicles that are chosen or available for repair. Time allocated for each module will need to be adjusted according to the damage being repaired.

Work Study provides the opportunity for students to:

• practise skills
• learn industry standards for quality of work
• develop employability skills
• explore possible career choices in the autobody industry
• learn about technical equipment and procedures not available in the school setting.

Sites for work study may include autobody repair businesses, industrial manufacturing plants (painting or finishing), glass replacement businesses, automotive dealerships, automotive sales, automotive cleaning businesses, automotive salvage businesses and insurance claims outlets. Refer to the Work Study Guidelines, a section of the Practical and Applied Arts Handbook and the Career and Work Exploration 10, 20, A30, B30 Curriculum Guidelines (2002), for information on required and best practices for student preparation, employer partnerships and teacher responsibilities.