Vehicle Accident Body Repair and Paint - Level 3
Summary
Are you ready to take your skills in vehicle accident body repair and paint to the next level? The IMI Level 3 Vehicle Accident Body Repair and Paint course is designed for school leavers who have completed Level 2 or have equivalent experience and want to develop advanced expertise in vehicle bodywork and refinishing. This course covers complex repair techniques, sophisticated paint application methods and the use of industry-standard tools and technology, preparing you for a professional career in the automotive body repair sector.
This qualification not only enhances your technical skills but also opens up a wide range of career opportunities. As a Level 3 qualified technician, you’ll be well-positioned for supervisory roles, specialist positions and further training, including apprenticeships or Level 4 qualifications. For those starting out, the Level 2 Vehicle Accident Body Repair and Paint course offers a solid foundation and is a natural stepping stone towards this Level 3 qualification.
If you’re passionate about vehicle repair and want to progress your career with industry-recognised skills, this course will help you reach your goals and thrive in a growing sector.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
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.
Employment Opportunities
If you decide to go directly into employment after completing this qualification, options open to you include:
Vehicle Body Repair Technician | Vehicle Paint Technician | Mechanical and Electrical Trim Technician | Vehicle Valeter and Detailer | Vehicle Damage Assessor | Vehicle Body Repair and Paint Workshop Manager |
If you decide to further your studies following this course, you could pursue a variety of career pathways including:
- Design, research and development careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries
- Manufacturing careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries
- Automotive systems and competence testing careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries
Career Options and 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, or 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.
Level 3 job roles…
- Vehicle Body Repair Technician
- Vehicle Paint Technician
- Mechanical and Electrical Trim Technician
- Vehicle Valeter and Detailer
- Vehicle Damage Assessor
- Vehicle Body Repair and Paint Workshop Manager
Graduate job roles…
- Design, research and development careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries including.
- Manufacturing careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries.
- Automotive systems and competence testing careers within the Automotive, Motorsport and other transport industries.
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
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
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?
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
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
An industry placement is a mandatory aspect of this course and we will try to match you to a local employer who can offer you the kind of work experience that aligns with your career aspirations.
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 tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
During the course tutors will provide regular feedback on your written and practical work allowing you to improve as you develop your skills set.
In order to achieve the qualification, you will be assessed via:
• Practical skills assessments in the workshop (50%)
• Online multiple-choice tests (50%)
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed in two different ways:
- Practical skills assessments in the workshop (50%)
- Online multiple-choice tests (50%)