car technician Archives - ApprenticeTips.com

From Elon Musk to Jeremy Clarkson we all love cars. Not everybody wants to go to university to become an engineer to build them, some of us just want to make sure they are cared for. If you love cars and don’t want to go to University, then maybe becoming a Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship is the Job for you!

In this article I am going to give you the key information about becoming a Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprentice but, before we get into the details about what this Job and education opportunity entails, let’s give you the information we all know you want, the perks over going to uni.

Earn while you learn to be a Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

Not only do you get the opportunity to learn a new skill and work around cars but you potentially could earn between £15k and £27k and this doesn’t even take into account any employer benefits you may be offered on top.

Hands on from day 1

From day one of your apprenticeship you’ll have the opportunity to shadow experts in your field getting hands on with cars and learning all the tools of your trade.

Qualification

At the end of your 3 year apprenticeship not only will you walk away with more money then your university attending friends, but you’ll also have a Level 3 Standard qualification with the opportunity to stay in this field of work either with the company you’d be working for another. Your qualification is a national certification so will be recognised by other companies

Let’s go into more detail about the occupation itself.

What would skill will you build on the Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship?

A Vehicle Damage Panel Technician works within the Collision Repair workshop, demonstrating expert working knowledge in relation to the removal, repair and replacement of vehicle body panels to vehicle manufacturer specification. The vehicles can include cars and light commercial vehicles. A technician is able to work independently and as part of a team following a defined process, using their skills to correctly identify the different body panel types and have the ability to use the correct repair tools to carry out the work to the highest possible standard. With motor vehicle technology changing all the time panel technicians keep up to date with the most relevant equipment and advanced repair techniques within the automotive industry. They do so by adhering to the

manufacturer’s literature and modification bulletins. The equipment they use can include using jigs, resistance welding equipment, riveting and bonding tools, as well as new equipment such as Reinforced Plastic Carbon Fibre diagnostic ultrasound tools. A competent Vehicle Damage Panel Technician will meet the following competency requirements.

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What Skill will you pick up?

The Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair, including safety precautions, panel preparation and body measurements.
The Ability to identify the material used in the construction to enable the correct joining techniques and manufacturer specifications to be adhered to.
The Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to make sure that any joints are in line with vehicle manufacturer specification and the vehicle/body panels are aligned correctly.
The Ability to identify and understand the correct joining technology, e.g. when to use resistance spot welding or mig brazing or bonding.
The Ability to remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently
The Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process, panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, brazing tools.
The Ability to identify and communicate supplementary damage such as panels that were deemed to be repairable but once worked on were found to be beyond repair along with damage that could not be established on original inspection.
The Ability to detect and rectify faults within a vehicles structure that’s integral to its safety

What Key pieces of Knowledge will you possess?

Motor vehicle chassis and body alignment, e.g. underbody measurement and its impact on suspension and steering geometry
Vehicle body types, panel identification, safety systems, materials and alternative fuel
Use of Body Panel Repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g. alignment jigs, resistance welding equipment, riveting and bonding tools
Removal and replacement of body panels and associated parts e.g. mechanically fixed components, chemically fixed components
Interpretation of technical data for joining techniques and replacement panels
Quality control process and the implications of poor quality
Knowledge of key process for vehicle panel repair such as Welding utilising either Tungsten, Inert Gas (TIG) and Metal, Inert Gas (MIG) & brazing along with spot welding, riveting utilising self-piercing rivets and utilising panel adhesive bonding as specified by the manufacturer
Health & Safety and compliance requirements of the bodyshop industry
Their direct commercial productivity and efficiency impact of their role within the whole repair process. E.g, understanding the cost of mistakes and the need for accuracy. The impact of rework on resources and reputation.

The Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship is a great opportunity to start a career and earn whilst you learn, for more opportunities like this and even more information regarding apprenticeships, please look through our website www.apprenticetips.com

Introduction

An AutoCare Technician Apprenticeship is a robust way to get industry experience and training in the car repair industry. If your goal is to keep cars moving and help vehicles last longer, this opportunity might be for you.

No area of the Car Repair landscape would be able to function properly without Autocare Technicians. They are the labourers, existing as the heart of the workforce and are capable of carrying out a range of services and repairs to cars. An Autocare Technician demands a combination of technical skills, customer services and retail qualities.

An Autocare Technician Apprentice would need to demonstrate a good grasp of the practical and theoretical aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance, being able to work as independent workers and part of a team when required. A candidate would need to understand how their respective centre operates from a brand standards point of view, whilst knowing how their role contributes towards business objectives.

Technical accuracy will be important, however the role also demands excellent customer handling, telephone correspondence, sales, organisation and problem solving skills. All these are required to become a competent Autocare Technician capable of conducting industry standard levels of work.

Autocare Technician Apprenticeship Details

Behaviours:

An Autocare Technician will be expected to demonstrate the following:

A passion for car repair
The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
A strong work ethic needed to maintain a good relationship with customers
Meet the standards required by your employer
Compliance with equality and diversity policies

Level:

This apprenticeship is set at level 2.

Qualifications & Entry Requirements:

Each employer will set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, but a level 2 in Maths and English is generally required before taking the end-point assessment.

Duration Of An Autocare Technician Apprenticeship:

This apprenticeship will take an expected duration of 30 months to complete. (This can be reduced depending on course and learner requirements). This can be reduced if the learner has demonstrated competency before this threshold, or has had previous experience in this field before.

Like many of our Apprenticeships here at ApprenticeTips, the role is broken down to several work aspects, each requiring a different skill set that an Autocare Technician would be able to do.

What Requirements Do I Need As An Autocare Technician?

To thrive as an Autocare Technician, an employee would need to apply safe working procedures to work on both hybrid and electric vehicle systems, since these types of cars have become more popular in recent years. The ability to carry out safety inspections using vehicle specific data is also important, considering the legal implications.

Adhering to health & safety legislation in the workplace is also needed in this sector. You’ll also need to know the importance of following workplace procedures and the importance of not doing so. The same applies to health and safety legislation and company compliance.

A basic to moderate understanding of motoring fundamentals including steering, suspension, braking, battery and charge systems.

What Skills Will I Achieve In The Workplace?

The ability to conduct a variety of mechanical procedures using industry standard tools and diagnostic equipment. You will learn how to carry out vehicle safety inspections, replacement of specific mechanical parts, tyres and components, and carry out stock management procedures. While complying with company policy, industry standards and healthy and safety legislation.

An Autocare Technician Apprentice will also be required to embrace the customer service and sales side of the industry. Learning how to deal with low level complaints, communicate with both customers and suppliers and use specific IT systems and hand held devices to complete work to a high standard.

In this blog, the core elements of an Autocare Technician have been covered, but there is more to discover. To read more about the Autocare Technician apprenticeship in its entirety, click here.

Conclusion

This course offers an excellent starting point for a rich and enjoyable career within the autocare industry.

You’ll also be able to learn while you earn, and really build a bond with the apprenticeship program while you’re at it. Opportunities will present themselves towards the end of your learning too, if you wanted to continue your education with us at ApprenticeTips.

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Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship