School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 1 Full-Time City Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Discover the world of automotive restoration and elevate your skills with our Level 1 Diploma in Accident Repair Body. This programme offers an immersive learning experience, designed to provide you with the techniques and knowledge needed to excel in auto body repair. Through hands-on training in our facilities, you will learn how to assess, repair, and finish vehicles to a professional standard.
The curriculum covers everything from basic metalworking and panel beating to the latest in paint technology, preparing you to meet industry demands with competence and creativity. Whether you aim to join a repair shop or start your own business, this diploma will arm you with the practical skills and technical insight necessary for a successful career in this dynamic field. Join us and transform your passion for cars into a rewarding profession.

No formal entry requirements.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free You will need to provide your own stationery and will be given the opportunity to take part in trips and visits.

You will learn the theory of paint operations in the classroom and work on vehicles in the paint shop. You will be assessed through coursework and take an online test.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

At Level 1, our courses are designed to lay a solid foundation without the requirement of a work placement, allowing you to focus fully on mastering the fundamentals of your chosen field. As you progress to Level 2 and Level 3, we encourage you to enhance your learning experience and boost your career prospects through targeted work placements. These opportunities are crafted to complement your studies and provide practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting, preparing you to excel in a career you are passionate about.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

You will learn the correct procedures for repairing panels, preparing surfaces to receive paint and applying primers, plus associated hand skills.

Mandatory units include:

- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Tools, Equipment and Consumable Materials for Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle accident repair units include:

- Remove And Replace Interior And Exterior Trim
- Vehicle Damage Assessment
- Introduction to Metal Preparation
- Minor Panel Damage Repairs
- Vehicle Paint Preparation
- Spray Gun Components and Maintenance
- Paint Spraying and Masking Techniques
- Primer Preparation and application Techniques
- Removing and Applying Graphics and Lettering
- Vehicle Exterior Valeting and Detailing
- Vehicle Interior Valeting and Detailing

The units have been developed to provide flexibility for this qualification. Learners will develop their knowledge and skills in a mainly practical setting, which will help them prepare for further studies in the vehicle accident repair industry or to go intoemployment.

What’s next?

Upon successful completion, students are well-prepared to advance their studies further onto our Level 2 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint Principles. For those eager to start their careers, numerous opportunities await in auto repair shops, vehicle manufacturing, and custom car workshops. Armed with the skills and knowledge from this course, ready to shape their future in the thriving world of automotive repair.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves

NSS, 2024

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