VEHICLE PAINT REFINISHING Level 2 Traineeship

Level 2
Traineeship
Portadown Campus

Overview

The Level 2 Traineeship in Vehicle Paint Refinishing equips learners with basic technical skills and knowledge to kick-start their journey towards becoming a proficient vehicle body and paint operator. This course will prepare them to work on a diverse range of vehicles, spanning various garages, dealerships, and specialized body and paint establishments.

Students will learn how to identify and rectify paint defects and faults, mix and match paint colours, and carry out complete refinishing operations.

This course combines practical training with theoretical study to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Trainees will work under the guidance of experienced automotive paint technicians, learning to assess and diagnose paint damage, prepare surfaces for refinishing, mix and match paint colours, apply paint using various methods (including spray guns), and perform finishing techniques such as polishing and buffing. They will develop proficiency in using paint refinishing tools, such as sanders, paint booths, and polishing equipment.

Learners will also develop their transversal skills such as problem solving, time management, teamwork, communication and entrepreneurship.

This course provides vocationally related knowledge and skills, which will improve employability within these vocations. Successful completion of units or the full award can contribute to the achievement of a VCQ when employed.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 2 traineeship framework.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview that they have a satisfactory level of fluency in English – both written and spoken. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cert qualification should have attained a majority of higher-level subjects. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cycle must have achieved 4 merits or above to facilitate entry to level 2 courses. Enhanced entry grades for maths and English apply in certain subject areas. These will be discussed with applicants following receipt of their application.
On enrolment the applicant will undertake an initial assessment which will confirm whether they should enter the full Traineeship or the Introductory Phase.
During the Pre-Entry Advice Sessions which may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams), applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and motivated to the programme.
The College may also use other evidence provided as part of the application process.

Please note that entrance requirements may be increased in some vocational areas.

Modules will include:

Applying Filler
Preparing Surfaces for Paint
Applying Paint
Repairing Minor Paint Defects
Working with Plastic Components

Assessment in the Level 2 Traineeship is based on a combination of practical tasks, written assignments and online tests. Summative Skills Testing will be used to showcase practical skills and embed competition. Trainees will demonstrate their competence through practical tasks, such as surface preparation, paint application, colour matching, and finishing techniques. They will also be required to complete written assignments and online tests to assess their understanding of vehicle paint refinishing principles and techniques.

On successful completion of the traineeship, students will have gained the relevant qualifications to progress to a Level 3 Apprenticeship or a Level 3 Further Education programme within the College.

Upon successful completion of the Vehicle Paint Refinishing Level 2 Traineeship, individuals will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue entry-level positions in the vehicle paint refinishing industry. Apprentices may also find employment opportunities with automotive repair shops, bodywork facilities, or paint refinishing centres. They may also work on various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, contributing to the restoration and enhancement of vehicle aesthetics.