Offer

The Work

• • Examining and cleaning repaired bodywork and discussing what you need to do to finish it
• • Preparing the surface to be painted: cleaning it, buffing and polishing (by hand or using a machine), priming it and masking (covering) the parts not to be painted
• • Mixing colours, usually using computerized paint mixing technology, to match the rest of the body colour
• • Applying the paint with a spray machine or hand held spray gun
• • Buffing and polishing the surface between coats
• • Working out estimates of costs
• • Completing records of materials used
• • Keeping up to date with new products and working methods.

Conditions

• • You would be working in a workshop which can be dirty, noisy, and have strong paint fumes.
• • You may have to work in a paint spraying booth which is ventilated.
• • You would wear a facemask to protect against paint fumes.
• • You would stand a lot and also have to bend and stretch in awkward positions.
• • You may have to lift heavy equipment.
• • You will work around 40 hours a week Monday to Friday, but may have to do overtime in the evenings and weekends.

Getting In

• • Most entrants start through a Modern Apprenticeship in Vehicle Body and Paint.
• • Employers normally look for English, Math and a science or technological subject at least to National 4.
• • You usually need to take an aptitude test.
• • You need to be physically fit to lift heavy parts and work in cramped positions.
• • There may be a medical test: this could be important if you have breathing problems which could be affected by paint fumes.
• • You may have to sit a colour vision test.