Overview of the Vehicle Damage Paint Technician role:
- Preparing, spraying and finishing vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents.
Typical Job Titles of the Vehicle Damage Paint Technician role:
- Painters
- Vehicle Paint Sprayer
- Paint Technician
- Prepper/Painter
- Refinish Technician
- Car Sprayer
- Applications Technician
Occupational Profile:
- Works in the vehicle body repair sector of the motor industry
- Role is to prepare, spray and finish vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents in an efficient manner
- Making sure the correct colour matches the final finish to the company and customers exacting standards
- Have an understanding of the general principles of spray painting technology, paint composition, paint mixing and the various methods of paint spraying vehicles
- Prepare vehicles fully before painting to include masking, sanding and other necessary preparation work
- 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.
- The role includes repair, surface preparation and painting to the manufacturer paint specification.
- Be 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
Expert working Knowledge and 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, for example, mixing systems, spray guns and nozzles
- 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 fueled vehicles and other areas of significant risk
- Calculation and 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.
- The quality control process and the implications of poor quality repairs.
Skills
- Have the ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair, for example, substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc.
- Be able to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished, for example, plastic, steel and aluminium
- Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application.
- Be able 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. They will need to 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.
Apprenticeship Information
Duration – Typically 3 years
Entry Requirements – Employers will set their own criteria for applicants
Qualifications – Without Level 2 English and Maths, therefore the applicant will need to achieve this prior to taking EPA.
Apprenticeship Level – Level 3 Standard
Review Date – The apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after 3 years