If you are serious about developing your skills in vehicle refinishing and want to take your knowledge to a professional level this course is designed for you. You will gain the practical experience and technical awareness needed to progress confidently within the automotive repair industry.
You will train in realistic workshop environments learning how to prepare both metal and pre-painted surfaces, apply fillers and foundation materials and carry out repairs to minor paint defects. As your skills develop you will focus on achieving a high-quality finish while understanding the importance of precision, safety and attention to detail. Alongside your hands-on learning you will explore key aspects of working in a garage, including health and safety and workplace expectations.
You will also continue to strengthen your maths and English ensuring you are fully prepared for employment or further study. Work experience opportunities will help you apply your skills in real-world settings and build your confidence.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core units:
? Health, safety and good housekeeping
? Maintaining good working relationships and using effective communication skills
? Identifying and agreeing customer service needs Learners will develop their specialist knowledge and skills in core vehicle accident repair refinishing topic areas (see examples below):
? Diagnosing and rectifying paint defects
Specialist units:
? Applying topcoats and refinishing operations
? Vehicle colour matching
? Working with plastic materials and components
? Spot repair techniques Learners will also have the opportunity to choose to develop their knowledge and skills in several of the following areas:
? Preparing vehicle panels and pre-painted surfaces
? Providing support and advice to colleagues
? Vehicle refinishing tools and equipment
? Removing and fitting mechanical, electrical and trim components
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
- Colour matching
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This engaging and motivating course is designed for those who have a strong interest in learning about Vehicle Refinishing and techniques used in the automotive sector.
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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:
Principles and processes of applying topcoats and vehicle refinishing systems
Methods and technology used for accurate vehicle colour matching, including paint codes and blending techniques
Properties, identification and repair methods of plastic materials and components
Spot repair techniques and when to apply them appropriately
Preparation methods for vehicle panels and pre-painted surfaces, including cleaning, sanding and masking
Types, functions, and safe use of vehicle refinishing tools and equipment
Basic mechanical, electrical and trim component construction relevant to removal and refitting
Workplace procedures for communication, teamwork and providing technical support to colleagues
Health, safety and environmental requirements in a refinishing environment (e.g. PPE, COSHH, waste handling)
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
You will have the ability to:
Apply topcoats correctly using appropriate techniques to achieve a high-quality finish
Carry out accurate colour matching and blending to meet manufacturer and customer standards
Repair and refinish plastic components using suitable materials and processes
Perform effective spot repairs that minimise time, cost and material use
Prepare vehicle panels and pre-painted surfaces to industry standards
Safely select, use and maintain refinishing tools and equipment
Remove and refit mechanical, electrical and trim components without causing damage
Communicate effectively with colleagues, offering appropriate support and advice when required
Work in line with health, safety and environmental procedures at all times
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Behaviours
What is required?
What is required?
Attention to detail to achieve high-quality refinishing outcomes
A strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace
Professionalism when working independently and as part of a team
Responsibility for maintaining tools, equipment and a clean working environment
Willingness to support colleagues and share knowledge
A proactive approach to problem-solving during refinishing tasks
Pride in workmanship and continuous improvement of technical skills
Time management and efficiency when completing refinishing operations
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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 this course can lead to a Level 3 qualification, an apprenticeship or roles such as trainee paint technician, vehicle refinisher or body repair operative.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair (Paint Principles) and GCSEs at Grade 3 in English Language and maths.
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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.
