Automotive accident repair technicians repair all elements of a vehicle after it has sustained some type of collision damage, ranging from small damage through to heavily impacted types of damage requiring complex and detailed repair or replacement of major structural elements of the vehicle.
Typically, they work in a modern highly technical workshop-type environment, working on a broad range of vehicles from cars and car derived vans to light commercial vehicles.
Uniquely, they work on and obtain a level of competence in all craft aspects of vehicle accident repair, including mechanical, electrical & trim (MET), panel repair & replacement, preparation and paint - not just one as has been the case in the past.
Technicians must be able to interpret and work accurately to detailed and complex technical repair specifications/instructions and, at times, obtain these instructions from a range of electronic sources, as well as work in a focused, analytical and methodical fashion, completing repairs on time, every time with a right-first-time, customer focused culture under-pinning all their activities.
They must be able to excel working as part of a team and put complete customer satisfaction, as well as commercial awareness, at the centre of everything they do.
Entry requirements will be set by individual employers, however applicants will need to display a good attitude, a positive approach to learning and development and a high level of ambition.
Apprentices will develop knowledge of:
Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET): How all types of engines and propulsion systems function; how electrically propelled and hybrid vehicles function; how sub systems of lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, intake and exhaust systems operate; how transmission, driveline & final drive systems operate; vehicle suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyre systems; vehicle electrical principles; vehicle electrical systems and components
Panel Repair & Replacement: Vehicle thermal welding operations & techniques; vehicle bonding and adhesives procedures; vehicle body mechanical fastening operations.
Preparation & Paint: The various types of filler & foundation materials; different materials used in vehicle construction; preparation techniques required for different materials & surfaces; paint, basecoat & topcoats; refinishing process; which techniques & products to employ with each type of repair process.
Cross-cutting: Health and safety in the workplace as it relates to the accident repair environment; structure of their organisation, and where they work within that; tools & equipment and vehicle construction methods used in the accident repair workplace.
SKILLS
Apprentices will gain skills in the following areas:
Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET): Remove all damaged & associated components from a vehicle; re-assemble replacement or existing components to a vehicle; remove and re-assemble permanent & non-permanent fixed vehicle body panels; remove and refit all types of vehicle body panels; remove and refit trim components; identify and describe principle vehicle electrical components and systems; diagnose and rectify basic vehicle electrical faults.
Panel Repair & Replacement: Repair all types of vehicle body panels; repair or refurbish trim components; repair vehicles using thermal welding operations and processes; repair vehicles using non thermal joining, bonding and adhesive processes; remove, repair and replace structural body panels; identify and rectify vehicle body structural misalignment.
Preparation & Paint: Apply body filler & foundation materials; prepare all types of vehicle body material; prepare & refinish metal, plastic and pre-painted surfaces; repair minor defects in all types of body panels and materials; apply paint, primer and basecoat; apply topcoats and clear coats and complete final refinishing operations; identify and rectify paint or preparation defects.
Cross-cutting: Carry out their work safely in the workplace and adhere to relevant health and safety requirements; develop strong working relationships.
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BEHAVIOUR
Apprentices will demonstrate the following behaviours:
Throughout the programme the apprentice will receive expert training from highly qualified staff. AÂ qualified assessor will provide an induction and regular workplace assessments
Full-time employment in the sector
Approx: 24 months
Apprenticeships
