If you are passionate about cars and enjoy hands-on work this course is your first step into the exciting world of vehicle accident repair and paint refinishing. You will develop the practical skills and essential knowledge needed to begin a career in the motor vehicle industry working in professional workshop environments that reflect real industry standards.
Throughout the course you will learn how to prepare vehicle surfaces, carry out basic panel repairs and apply paint using industry techniques such as masking and finishing. You will also gain a strong understanding of health and safety along with how to correctly use tools, equipment and materials. Alongside your practical training you will build your maths, English and digital skills, helping you become a confident and capable learner.
You will be supported to develop the behaviours employers value such as teamwork, communication and taking responsibility for your work.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core units:
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Tools, Equipment and Consumable Materials for Vehicle Maintenance
Specialist units including a selection from:
Engine Cooling System Components and Maintenance
Exhaust System Components and Maintenance
Steering System Components and Maintenance
Braking System Components and Maintenance
Vehicle Electrical System Components and Maintenance
Remove And Replace Interior And Exterior Trim
Vehicle Damage Assessment
Introduction to Metal Preparation
Panel Removal and Refitting
Minor Panel Damage Repairs
Vehicle Welding Techniques
Paintless Dent Removal Techniques
Adhesive Bonding and Mechanical Fastening
Vehicle Paint Preparation
Spray Gun Components and Maintenance
Paint Spraying and Masking Techniques
Primer Preparation and application Techniques
Interior Cosmetic Repair Techniques
Panel Joint Sealing and Corrosion Protection
Removing and Applying Graphics and Lettering
Vehicle Exterior Valeting and Detailing
Vehicle Interior Valeting and Detailing
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for you if you are ambitious and keen to progress into a career in the accident repair & refinishing sector of the motor vehicle industry and wish to gain a Level 1 qualification.
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How is the course assessed?
This course is assessed through:
Practical tasks
Assignments
Online multi-choice exams
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
How the industry is set up and how a business runs day to day
How to maintain tools and keep the workshop in good condition
Basic rules and laws to make sure a vehicle is safe and roadworthy
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
You will have the ability to:
Understand basic principles of paint spraying
Complete am online portfolio of practical tasks carried out in a workshop environment
Complete a range of tasks including preparation and application of foundation materials
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Behaviours
What is required?
What is required?
Take responsibility for your work and learn from mistakes
Work well as part of a team
Build good relationships with colleagues and customers
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
On completion, you could move on to a Level 2 qualification or begin an apprenticeship. Career options include vehicle paint technician, body repair assistant or trainee refinisher.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
