This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who paint, refinish, repair and maintain painted surfaces on a range of automotive vehicles, recreational vehicles and other vehicles in the automotive industry.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply basic colour matching techniques using vehicle paint codes | Core |
| Apply clear over base multi-layer and pearl refinishing materials to vehicle body components | Core |
| Apply clear over base two-pack refinishing materials to vehicle body components | Core |
| Apply refinishing primers to vehicle surfaces | Core |
| Apply water-based refinishing materials to vehicle bodies and substrates | Core |
| Colour match multi-layer and clear over base two-pack paints on vehicles and components | Core |
| De-nib, buff and polish vehicle painted surfaces | Core |
| Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Interpret and apply automotive repair instructions | Core |
| Mask vehicle panels and components | Core |
| Match direct gloss solid paint colour on vehicles or components | Core |
| Prepare and operate vehicle paint drying equipment | Core |
| Prepare and paint plastic and composite vehicle surfaces | Core |
| Prepare vehicle spray painting equipment for use | Core |
| Prepare vehicle substrates for refinishing | Core |
| Rectify and touch up vehicle paint faults using clear over base two-pack systems | Core |
| Remove paint from vehicle painted surfaces | Core |
| Apply air dry and polyurethane refinishing materials | Elective |
| Apply basic airbrush techniques to vehicle body panels | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) | Elective |
| Apply original equipment manufacturer repair procedures during vehicle repairs | Elective |
| Apply solid acrylic two-pack materials to vehicle components | Elective |
| Apply vehicle body film wrapping | Elective |
| Carry out custom painting techniques to vehicle body panels | Elective |
| Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles | Elective |
| Depower and reinitialise hybrid electric vehicles | Elective |
| Inspect vehicle damage and determine repair procedures | Elective |
| Inspect vehicle paint, trim and accessories and recommend repair procedures | Elective |
| Prepare vehicles for customer use | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Read and respond to automotive workplace information | Elective |
| Rectify and touch up vehicle direct gloss paint faults using two-pack systems | Elective |
| Rectify vehicle multi-layer and pearl paint faults using two-pack systems | Elective |
| Remove and replace adhesive attached components on vehicles | Elective |
| Repair vehicle thermoplastic body panels and components | Elective |
| Resolve routine problems in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Scan and calibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) | Elective |
| Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles | Elective |
| Touch up minor vehicle paintwork damage | Elective |
| Work effectively with others in an automotive workplace | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Panelbeater
ANZSCO 324111
Panelbeaters repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Vehicle Body Builder
ANZSCO 324211
Make and repair prototypes and purpose built bodies for different kinds of vehicles
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Vehicle Painter
ANZSCO 324311
Prepare vehicles for painting, paint the surfaces of a vehicle when manufactured, for repairs or enhancement.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Industrial Spraypainter
ANZSCO 711211
Industrial Spraypainters operate spray painting equipment to paint and apply other industrial coatings to manufactured items (Vehicle Painters are shown separately).
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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MTA Institute (RTO code 31529)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Oceania College of Technology (RTO code 40995)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Work Skills (RTO code 31384)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Advanced Training Academy Pty Ltd (RTO code 45935)
Contact this provider
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Career Options Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 40733)
Contact this provider
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Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers Inc (RTO code 90409)
Contact this provider
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Intech Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (RTO code 30100)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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THE MTA GROUP TRAINING SCHEMME INC (RTO code 2293)
Contact this provider
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Trade Skills Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 45637)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.