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.
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