Vehicle Accident Body Repair and Paint - Level 3

Summary

This Level 3 Vehicle Body Repair and Paint course is designed to help you further develop your learning to industry-standards and focuses on meticulous preparation of a range of different surfaces and materials and the application of topcoats to extremely high standards.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

When you successfully complete this Level 3 Vehicle Body Repair and Paint course you will have developed the technical and broader skills needed to enjoy a rewarding career in the industry.

Alternatively you could develop your knowledge and skills further and progress onto our Foundation Degree.

Typical pathways from this Level 3 course are:

  • Employment in the industry on a fast-track apprenticeship
  • Progression to the foundation year of our Foundation Degree

Throughout your time on the course, frequent career and progression advice from our team of highly qualified and experienced tutors will continue.

Key information

Entry Requirements

If you are aged between 16 and 18 and have already completed a relevant Level 2 qualification, this one year course is ideal for continuing your journey to a rewarding career.

A Level 2 relevant qualification is required along with GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, along with the following:

  • A successful interview with a tutor
  • The ability to study independently
  • A genuine interest in the subject
  • Good communication skills
  • Hardworking approach towards the industry

All 16-18 year-old applicants will be invited to attend an interview to meet a tutor and ask any questions they may have about the course.

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment.

Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles (VRQ)

Fees and funding

Students who are 18 or under and resident in the EU pay no course fees. Read our tuition fees guide for students 19 and over.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need to provide your own safety boots and overalls / boiler suit for practical activities. A typical pair of safety boots should cost no more than £12 and a pair of overalls £15.

All other protective equipment will be provided by us.

All tools and equipment are provided for practical sessions and access to computers and all software required for the course is available within the College facilities.

You will be expected to provide your own pen, pencil, basic drawing equipment and a note pad.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: IMI

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

The modules covered in this course include:

  • Working with plastics and other non-metal materials
  • Preparing metal and pre-painted surfaces
  • Identifying paint defects
  • Applying topcoats and completing refinishing operations
  • The art of colour-matching

Essential skills: English and Maths

If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme.

At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An Industry Placement is mandatory for this course. You will have the opportunity to attend your Industry Placement with a local employer.

We will help you to select the type of placement that best suits your industry interests and one that will benefit you the most.

There are no planned mandatory field trips.

How will I learn?

At Level 2 you will have developed your knowledge of the techniques used for repairing and replacing damaged vehicle body panels and techniques for mixing and applying different paints.

At Level 3 you will expand your knowledge of working with different materials and your skills in applying topcoats to industry standards.

You will be taught by tutors who have a wealth of industry experience and a passion for developing the next generation of technicians.

Your tutors will get to know how you learn best and tailor their teaching methods to your needs.

There are weekly opportunities for you to discuss your progress with your Progress Tutor and you will be allocated a team manager to support you through every aspect of your learning and career development.

This course is mainly practical-based and is delivered in the following way (hours shown are weekly):

  • Vehicle Body Repair and Paint Practical (Workshop – 6 hours)
  • Vehicle Body Repair and Paint Theory (Classroom – 2.25 hours)
  • Independent Study (1.5 hours)
  • Industry Placement (Company – 26 hours total)
  • Progress Meeting (Classroom – 1.5 hours)
  • English and mathematics (Depending on GCSE results – 3 to 7.5 hours)

The environment is very supportive and includes regular target setting and reviews.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in two different ways:

  • Practical skills assessments in the workshop (50%)
  • Online multiple-choice tests (50%)