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Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprenticeship

The Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprenticeship programme is designed to give you the relevant training and education required to become a successful employee within the motor industry. Learning through practical and theory sessions at College is teamed with work-based experience and training in order to achieve a level 3 qualification.

Overview of the role

Preparing, spraying and finishing vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents.

Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Typical job titles:

Painters, Vehicle Paint Sprayer, Paint Technician, Prepper/Painter, Refinish Technician, Car Sprayer, Applications Technician.

Occupational profile

A Vehicle Damage Paint Technician works in the vehicle body repair sector of the motor industry. The role is to prepare, spray and finish vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents in an efficient manner. The vehicles can include Cars/Light Commercial Vehicles. This includes ensuring correct colour match and final finish to the company and customers exacting standards. This is usually within a collision repair workshop or smart repair workshops/mobile repair micro business and working alongside another fully qualified Paint Technician.

They understand the general principles of spray painting technology, paint composition, paint mixing and the various methods of paint spraying vehicles.

They prepare vehicles fully before painting to include masking, sanding and other necessary preparation work.

They are also responsible for keeping all company tools and equipment safe and in a clean, workable condition paying particular attention to the reduction of any fire hazards.

Their role includes repair, surface preparation and painting to the manufacturer paint specification. A technician is able to follow defined processes to restore the vehicle to a high-quality paint finish. This includes being able to demonstrate colour identification and select the correct materials such as primers, base coats and lacquers applied using spray equipment and utilising modern drying/curing techniques such as Ultra Violet (UV), Infrared and catalytic solutions used in the refinishing of vehicles. Create a safe environment working efficiently and reducing waste.

They usually work as part of a team and under supervision.

The Requirements – Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Vehicle Damage Paint Technicians demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and behaviours:

Expert working Knowledge and understanding of:
  • Expert working knowledge & understanding of Automotive refinishing materials such as paint and fillers and their application techniques to deliver quality results
  • Drying and curing techniques use in the finishing of vehicles
  • Body Paint Repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g. mixing systems, spray guns and nozzles, paint
  • Substrates such as metal (Steel/Alloy) along with carbon fibre & glass reinforced plastic to select the correct refinish process and materials
  • Safe handling and risks in the management of solvents, high voltage components, conventional and alternate fuelled vehicles and other areas of significant risk
  • Calculation / estimation of paint volume requirements per job
  • Health & Safety and compliance requirements of a collision repair business, such as control of substances.
  • Their direct commercial productivity and efficiency impact of their role within the whole repair process such as understanding causes for paint defects to reduce waste and the techniques required to prevent these e.g. paint runs. The impact of rework on resources and reputation.
  • Quality control process and the implications of poor quality repairs.
Skills
  • Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc.
  • Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc.
  • Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application.
  • Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
  • Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment.
Behaviours
  • Use all the knowledge and skills developed to carry out tasks in a safe and efficient manner, complying with all business operating procedures and policies
  • Operate as an effective team member and take responsibility, be honest and accountable when things go wrong, tracking their own progress and informing others if deadlines are at risk
  • Proactively find opportunities to learn about the wider business.
  • Commitment to customer service and meeting deadlines by being flexible with their time and willingness to take on tasks outside of their job role to ensure goals are met
  • Take responsibility for personal and professional development, keeping knowledge and skills up to date with emerging technology to perform the role effectively
  • Anticipate problems and put steps in place to avoid them, where problems do occur explore and address the cause
  • Effectively communicate with customers and colleagues.
Entry Requirements

Entry requirements:

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for applicants.

Candidates should already have an NVQ Level 2 in Vehicle Paint Operations. You will need to be dedicated and committed to your study and be responsible for your own learning. You will be required to attend an interview with the work based learning team and be asked to complete basic skills assessments in literacy and numeracy followed by a paper based trade assessment. Students on this course are required to be employed in a suitable work placement with a motor paint operations company and have four GCSEs (grades A*-E), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Qualifications:

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

Assessment

This section sets out the requirements for the End-Point Assessment (EPA), designed to prove occupational competence of apprentices following comprehensive training, development and occupational mentoring.

Full time apprentices will typically spend 36 months on-programme working towards the apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.

The EPA should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the standard, the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met and that they can be evidenced to an EPA organisation.

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.

They are also required to complete a mandatory portfolio of evidence that will be used as a basis for the “professional discussion” method of assessment which is described later on in this plan.

The EPA must be completed over a maximum total assessment time of 13 hours 15 minutes within a three-month period, after the apprentice has met the EPA
gateway requirements.

The practical skills task is to be completed over a two day period.

EPA must be conducted by an organisation approved to offer services against this standard, as selected by the employer, from the Education & Skills Funding Agency’s Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations.

The EPA consists of three distinct assessment methods:

 Knowledge test = 90 minutes, professional discussion= 45 minutes and practical
skills test = 11 hours)
 Professional Discussion (supported by a portfolio of evidence)
 Practical Skills Test

What Can I Do Next?

Following further training and development, career pathways may include progression to roles such as insurance assessor, automotive loss adjuster, visual damage assessor or possible progression to the Institute of Road Transport Engineers programme.

Information for Employers

What will this cost my business?

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 has changed the way that government funds apprenticeships in England. All businesses operating within the UK with a wage bill of over £3million are required to contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy.

  • If the levy applies to your business you will be required to pay 0.5% of your entire wage bill into the levy. This will be offset against a levy allowance worth £15,000 for each tax year.
  • You will only be able to use your levy payment for government backed apprenticeships.
  • Levy payments will expire after 18 months.

Speak to an advisor at CI Business Solutions on 01206 712727 to make your levy payments work for you.

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship.

Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee.

Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Speak to an Advisor at CI Business Solutions on 01206 712727 to make your levy payments work for you.

Does the apprentice have to attend college?

College attendance will be required over the duration of the course and will be determined post-application

What about support in the workplace?

Skilled and knowledgeable staff must be available to support the apprentice as they complete work-based tasks.

Why should I choose Colchester Institute to support my recruitment and retention?

Colchester Institute is the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Essex. We are experts at connecting the right people, to the right training, to the right business – and when it comes to Apprenticeships, our Apprenticeship Advisors can support your business every step of the way.

As part of our service we can support your business with:

  • Advertising the Apprenticeship vacancy
  • Manage the applications received in line with your individual requirements
  • Match prospective candidates already known to us
  • Conduct initial pre-screening for candidates
  • Carry out visits to your premises alongside regular reviews to support you, your staff and your apprentice
  • Advice on any grants or funding where available

Our team will provide:

  • A fee free recruitment service.
  • Personal 1:1 Apprenticeship Levy advice and guidance.
  • A dedicated Account Manager.
  • Industry experienced, professional, technical trainers.
  • Bespoke programmes available upon request.
  • An Essex priority skills focus.
  • Free employer events.
How To Apply

To apply for an apprenticeship please read through the information below and then select the correct application button from the menu located further down the page.

If you are aged between 15 and 18 years old then please click the button ’15 – 18 Years – Apply Online’ and you will be taken to the next stage of the application process.

If you are aged 19 years or older please click the button ‘19+ Years – How to Apply‘, where you will be taken to the application options and information relevant to you.

Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprenticeship
Course Outline: Provides the relevant training and education required to become a successful employee within the motor industry

Starting employment as an apprentice can occur throughout the year however the start-date for attending college for training, where required, might vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and will be communicated post-employment and sign-up.

LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationThis apprenticeship typically takes three years to complete
CampusColchester Campus
Apprenticeship Funding Band (Levy paying employers)£15,000
Employer Contribution Fee (Non-levy paying employers)£750
15 – 18 Years – Apply Online19+ Years – How To ApplyApprenticeship Enquiry Line: 01206 712 043Open Event UpdatesLatest Apprenticeship Vacancies
Hire an Apprentice: Enquire HereEmployer Enquiry Line: 01206 712 727Register a VacancyEmployer Information Events : Book Your Place

What will this cost my Business?

Non-levy paying employers will need to contribute 5% of the maximum funding band as published by the Skills Funding Agency for the delivery of training and assessment for their apprenticeship. Levy paying employers will pay the full cost of the agreed funding band using their Digital Apprenticeship account.

Apprenticeship Funding Bands

Apprenticeship Funding Bands
Employers with less than 50 employees who are recruiting an apprentice aged 16-18 years old will not be required to pay the contribution fee. Any associated cost to the individual will be made clear at the interview.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2021-22 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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