Paint sprayer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course that will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job.

Courses include:

• Level 1 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint
• Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles

You might be able to do paint spraying and finishing as part of an engineering course. Check with local colleges for more details.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a level 3 advanced apprenticeship to become a paint sprayer.

Apprenticeships include:

• accident repair technician
• surface finisher
• vehicle damage paint technician

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs in vehicle paint spraying if you've got experience and a qualification in:

• vehicle accident and repair
• motor manufacturing
• engineering

More information

You can find out more about paint spraying careers in the motor industry  through the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Autocity.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Paint sprayers apply coatings and protective finishes to cars, vans, motorbikes and other vehicles.

As a paint sprayer, you'll:

• set up painting equipment, sand down and prepare the outside of the vehicle
• match and mix colours and shades
• apply primer coats, main coats and finishes
• use paint drying methods and carry out quality checks
• clean and maintain spraying equipment and paint booths
• follow health and safety guidelines

Location : You could work in a workshop.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 48 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• get an IMI accreditation and move into senior paint technician roles
• become a shift supervisor, quality control inspector or workshop manager
• set up your own paint spraying business
• specialise in customising cars