Could you see yourself independently diagnosing and rectifying vehicle faults whilst having a customer-first approach when dealing with owners of vehicles? Then this could be the apprenticeship for you. Find out what it takes to become a Level 3 Accident repair technician.
Jobs and entry criteria for the Level 3 Accident repair technician apprenticeship
Level 2 English and maths is required in order to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment. Applicants should expect employers to set their own criteria.
In order for an applicant to attain maximum success and a great attitude, a positive approach to learning and development and a high level of drive is needed
Key responsibilities of an Accident repair technician
After a vehicle sustains a type of collision damage, an Accident Repair Technician should be able to repair all elements of a vehicle which can range from small through to heavily impacted damage that needs highly complex repairs or replacement of the major structure of the vehicle.
A typical Accident Repair Technician would work in a workshop-type setting that is highly technical and modern. The range of vehicles can be from car, car derived vans to light commercial vehicles.
Sometimes, the level of competence they’ll work on and obtain is in all craft aspects of vehicle and accident repair. Including Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET); Panel Repair & Replacement; Preparation and Pain. In addition, an Accident Repair Technician can interpret and work precisely to detailed and technical repair specifications and, at times, find these instructions from a range of sources.
To work in a focused, analytical and methodical fashion is a key attribute for an Accident Repair Technician. They must completer repairs consistently in a timely manner with a right-first-time, customer-focused culture in mind when working on vehicles.
Level 3 Accident repair technician apprenticeship key behaviours
As part of your role as a competent Accident Repair Technician, you must be able to demonstrate the following behaviours:
- The adoption at all times of a good health and safety first mentality as standard practice
- A customer-first approach when dealing with owners of vehicles and other clients
- Recognises that high quality is intrinsic in every activity throughout the accident repair process
- A strong and positive work ethic
- The ability to work in a team and be a good team member
- A positive attitude. Good aptitude. Excellent ambition
- Effective communication throughout the repair process, both with clients and with other members of the team.
From day one it is expected that an Accident repair technician embrace’s the need to put customer satisfaction at the forefront. To be able to excel while working within a cohesive team is a prime attribute for any Accident Repair Technician.
Skills required to be an Accident repair technician knowledge modules and vendor exams
As an Accident repair technician, there are disciplines, knowledge and skills that’s must be met in order to complete the apprenticeship:
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
Conclusion
The Level 3 Accident Repair Technician apprenticeship is a great entry point for people to kick start their career. You’ll be able to earn while you learn while gaining a recognised qualification which will open up a range of job opportunities in the future. For instance, you could progress and complete the Level 4 Vehicle Damage Assessor qualification via the institute for apprenticeships taking your knowledge to an even greater level. If being an Accident Repair Technician interests you, then this is a qualification to choose as it has the potential to accelerate your career and solidify your future as a vehicle technician.
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