GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE)
3 years
Master the art of vehicle refinishing and paint restoration in this 3-year apprenticeship. Learn colour matching, airbrushing, rust prevention, and workplace safety to become a skilled automotive refinishing technician.
Applicants must complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to demonstrate required literacy and numeracy levels. A Pre-training Review interview is required to ensure the course suits your needs and aspirations. Prospective Apprenticeship or Traineeship students must apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise an apprenticeship contract before applying. Students must have access to a laptop/computer with internet access, digital camera or video camera, general stationery, protective enclosed footwear, and a media player.
The course comprises 30 units total: 18 core and 12 elective. Core units cover environmental and sustainability practices, automotive repair instructions, safe working practices, vehicle panel masking, refinishing primers, plastic and composite surface preparation, paint removal, spray painting equipment operation, colour matching techniques, paint drying equipment, substrate preparation, multi-layer and clear coat paint matching, solid paint colour matching, paint fault rectification, and application of various refinishing materials including clear over base two-pack, multi-layer, pearl, and water-based systems. Elective units include battery testing and replacement, tool maintenance, vehicle preparation, adhesive component removal, body panel repair, damage inspection, rust prevention, paint restoration, and touch-up techniques for various paint systems.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) with national recognition. The institute offers comprehensive support services including learning support, library resources, disability support, counselling, and career guidance. The block release delivery model allows students to combine on-campus intensive training with workplace experience, ensuring practical skills development in real automotive environments. GOTAFE's experienced trainers provide mentoring at the workplace 4 times per year to consolidate learning.
Graduates are eligible for roles as Vehicle Spray Painters, Vehicle Refinishing Technicians, and Heavy Vehicle Refinishing Technicians. The qualification opens pathways to employment in automotive repair workshops, panel beating facilities, vehicle refinishing centres, and heavy vehicle maintenance facilities. With industry experience, graduates may progress to supervisory roles, business ownership, or specialisation in premium vehicle restoration or custom refinishing.
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