On a vehicle damage paint technician apprenticeship you’ll prepare, spray and finish vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents.
A vehicle damage paint technician works in the car body repair sector of the automotive industry. The job entails properly preparing, spraying, and polishing cars that have been engaged in accidents and other incidents. Vehicles include automobiles and light commercial vehicles. In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring appropriate colour match and final finish to your company’s and customers’ rigorous specifications in this position.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will master the fundamentals of spray painting technology, paint composition, paint mixing, and the many methods of paint spraying automobiles.
Before painting, cars will be prepped with masking, sanding, and other necessary preparatory work. You’ll also be responsible for keeping all business tools and equipment safe, clean, and useable, with a specific emphasis on eliminating fire hazards.
What you’ll learn
On a vehicle damage paint technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn to:
- Carry out appropriate project preparation before initiating repair, such as substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation, and so on.
- Correctly identify substrate materials to be refinished, such as plastic, steel, and aluminium.
- Assess technical data and methods to accomplish the suggested application of the paint producer.
- Use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer standards to restore a high-quality finish to a vehicle.
- Recognise and utilise repair tools, equipment, and devices used in the process, such as mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps, and spray equipment.
What you’ll do
Your day-to-day tasks on a vehicle damage paint technician apprenticeship could be to:
- Sand the bodywork and prepare it.
- Make use of adequate paint drying procedures.
- Perform quality assurance checks.
- Maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations at all times.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- Depending on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
Assessment methods
The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods:
- Knowledge Test
- Professional Discussion (supported by a portfolio of evidence)
- Practical Skills Test
Working environment
You could work in a workshop.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Your employer may provide you the option to work toward IMI Accreditation. This may open the path for you to move to roles as a senior paint technician.
You might also be a shift supervisor, quality control inspector, or workshop manager.
You may start your own paint spraying business or focus on automobile customisation.
Key facts
Duration: 36 months
Relevant school subjects: DT
Entry requirements: Depend on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience
Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels
Potential salary upon completion: £22,000
Apprenticeship Standard
More information about the Level 3 Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprenticeship standard can be found here.
Apprenticeship End Point Assessment
For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.
