School of Thought offers automotive apprenticeships with training that is designed to help young people reach their goals and fulfill their potential. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, earn and be successful in the automotive industry.
A multi-skilled automotive apprentice has the opportunity to learn a variety of skills from 3 different roles and then choose which one they would like to commit to as a career path.
The 3 different roles to learn from are Panel Technician, Paint Technician and Vehicle Technician as per the descriptions below.
Panel Technician
A Panel Technician will repair and replace damaged panels. This can often be a minor scratch or a dent, and different materials are used in the process. Larger impact damage caused through accidents can result in more sophisticated repair techniques.
Other techniques include riveting or bonding panels as well as welding/soldering. This role is all about helping reinstate the vehicle in a safe way, along with the rest of the team.
The Technician will work from instructions and methods to repair the vehicle correctly and will use different equipment and techniques to achieve this such as cutting, heating and sanding equipment as well as jigs and pulling equipment.
Paint Technician
The Paint Technician can be involved with preparing the vehicle for painting – but this can also be a separate role, commonly known as a “Prepper”.
Once the vehicle has been through the panel process, it’s ready to paint. The Technician will use different materials depending on the model of the vehicle (some of these materials are called base coat, clear coat, topcoat or lacquer).
Painting is carried out in a fully extracted spray booth wearing personal protection equipment. A high volume, low pressure spray gun is used to get a good quality finish. A Paint Technician will also mix paint using scales and a computer, as well as clean spray guns after use.
Vehicle Technician
The career role of Vehicle Technician includes mechanical technicians, often known as Mechanical & Electrical Trim (MET). In this role the responsibility varies depending on the type of place you work. It includes removing damaged parts so that repairs can take place safely and refitting them later.
MET Technicians will get involved with wheel alignment, air conditioning, diagnostics, electrical faults and calibration. This role is highly technical, particularly with modern and electric & hybrid vehicles.
An important life and work skill for this job is problem solving. You may use hand tools in this role, but you will also use technical equipment to help diagnose problems and reinstate the vehicle to its pre-accident state.
Other roles include Light vehicle and HGV technicians – and you could also work in auto glazing.
Locations
- Swansea
- Newport
- Edmonton in London
How To Apply
To apply for this apprenticeship, please email your CV along with a letter to say which of the above locations you are interested in applying for.
Email your application to Julie or Dave:
Julie Eley
Email: julie@ready4work.uk
Dave Reece
Email: dave@ready4work.uk
Tel: 01772 439061
