OverviewAbout this course
Start your career as a vehicle refinishing technician. Learn the skills you need to paint, refinish, repair and maintain painted surfaces on automotive and recreational vehicles, aircraft and marine craft.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Interpret and apply automotive repair instructions
Remove paint from vehicle painted surfaces
Prepare vehicle spray painting equipment for use
Apply basic colour matching techniques and final finishing top coats
Perform detailing
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
The skills to prepare surfaces for paint application and rust prevention
Experience in applying custom-designed airbrush graphics to automotive vehicles
The confidence to colour match and replicate original finishes to restore automotive vehicles
A trade-level qualification that allows you to apply for a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate as a vehicle painter
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Apprenticeship
Be employed as an apprentice in the industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application
Non-apprenticeship
Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:
Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification
Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers
Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An aptitude for practical work
An enjoyment of working with your hands
An eye for colour and design
Good communication skills
A reasonable fitness level to manage manual tasks like working on work platforms, kneeling, bending and standing
A keen interest in design in the automotive industry
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success
and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: Spray painter and Vehicle refinishing technician
Licensing
A motor vehicle tradesperson certificate is required for workers who wish to perform motor vehicle repair work in NSW. Visit the Service NSW website for more information on applying for your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate as a vehicle painter.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study2 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 30 Units of competency, including 18 core and 12 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Interpret and apply automotive repair instructionsAURAFA108
Colour match multi-layer and clear over base two-pack paints on vehicles and componentsAURVTP114
Apply water-based refinishing materials to vehicle bodies and substratesAURVTP125
De-nib, buff and polish vehicle painted surfacesAURVTP020
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TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community