This course is where your journey will begin into the automotive industry of accident repair of light vehicles. There are separate classes for 16-18 year olds and for adults. Vehicles are becoming more complex and with the cost of them rising, the demand to repair vehicles to a high standard following accidents and damage is increasing. This means there is more of a demand in the specialised skill of repairing body work and repainting. We are one of only a few colleges in the country that deliver both body repair and paint repair principles as a dual qualification making this a faster route into employment.
You'll cover preparation, primers, and foundation materials, as well as refinishing tools and equipment. You'll also learn about paint defect and polishing techniques, MIG/MAG welding (including spot welding), minor panel damage repair, and metal finishing. The course includes strip and fit procedures for internal and external parts and panels, along with instruction on adhesive bonding.
Due to the technical nature of the course and intensity of developing skills in both disciplines you will already hold a GCSE Grade 4 and above in English and Maths. Don't worry, if you do not hold these qualifications, your journey will start with the Level 1 Light Vehicle Maintenance course which is designed to develop your mechanical skills as well as developing the necessary core English and Maths skills needed to progress to the Level 2 Body and Paint course. If this is the case, please initially apply for the Level 1 Light vehicle course and discuss with your tutor your career path.
This Level 2 builds the basic skills and foundations to take you onto the Level 3 diploma to become fully qualified. Once fully qualified, you could work for a repair garage, within the dealership network of approved repairers, perhaps open your own accident repair workshop or do mobile smart repairs.
At South & City College Birmingham, we offer a wide range of courses for most age groups.
School Leavers: For learners who are between the ages of 16 to 18, studies will be free.
Adults: For learners who are aged 19 or over, the cost of study will depend on the course or programme that you choose. Some courses may even be free*. If the course is not free, students aged 19 at the start of their programme who wish to study need to either pay their course fees, or take out an Advanced Learning Loan.
*Eligibility criteria applies. There may be an exception for students aged 19 or over that are taking their first full Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas), who could be supported by the Learner Support Fund, or free adult course funded by the WMCA. To find out what financial support is available to you or whether your course is free, call our friendly admissions team on 0121 694 5000 during office hours, or email us via: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk, we look forward to hearing from you.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Higher Education: If you are planning to undertake one of our Higher Education courses you can apply for a loan with Student Finance England, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan with the college to support towards your course fees. Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition through the WMCA's free courses for jobs offer.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Enquire via our website today to chat to one of our Admissions team and make your right choice with South and City College Birmingham. Whatever your passion, we are here to help you land on your dream career path. Email: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk to find out what financial support is available. With various funds, loans and bursaries on offer, we may be able to help with travel expenses & childcare costs.
There is a mix of practical, tutorials and classroom work, however due to the nature of the automotive industry, this is a hands-on course which is predominantly delivered in a practical format.
