Paint sprayer

You can take a college course that will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job. Useful courses include:

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

Some colleges offer paint spaying as part of an engineering course. Check with local colleges for details.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do an accident repair technician or vehicle damage paint technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply for jobs in vehicle paint spraying if you've got experience and a qualification in vehicle accident and repair, motor manufacturing or engineering.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in paint spraying in the motor industry through Autocity.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• setting up painting equipment
• sanding down and preparing the bodywork
• selecting, matching and mixing colours
• applying primer coats, main coats and finishes
• carrying out quality checks
• cleaning and maintaining equipment

You could work in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.