Vehicle Body Repair and Refinishing (Beginners)
About this course
Are you passionate about cars and ready to take your skills to the next level? This hands-on course is the ideal for hobbyists and enthusiasts who want to build confidence and competence in vehicle paint and body repair.
Working towards the IMI Level 1 Award in Vehicle Accident Repair, you'll get real-world experience in a modern workshop environment, using industry-standard tools and techniques. From panel repair, prep to paintwork, you’ll learn the foundations of vehicle body repair and refinishing with expert support every step of the way.
Whether you're restoring your own project car or exploring a new interest, this course offers the perfect mix of practical learning, personalised guidance, and professional insight.
What you will study
L1AM01 – Working Safely in the Automotive Environment
Learn the essential health, safety, and environmental practices needed in a vehicle repair setting. This unit covers everything from safe working procedures to identifying and managing risks in the workshop.
L1AM02 – Tools, Equipment and Materials for Vehicle Repair
Get hands-on with the tools and materials used in body repair and refinishing. You'll gain confidence using a range of equipment correctly and safely, from basic hand tools to industry-standard repair equipment.
L1AR05 – Basic Vehicle Body Repairs
Discover how to carry out basic body repair techniques, including dent removal, panel preparation, and surface restoration. This unit focuses on developing your practical skills and attention to detail.
L1AR11 – Basic Paint Application and Finishing Techniques
Learn the fundamentals of vehicle painting, including surface preparation, primer application, basic spraying techniques, and final finishing. This unit also includes how to clean and maintain spray guns, ensuring consistent results and extending the life of your equipment.
Course fees
Administration Fee: £45.00
Awarding Organisation Fee: £96.00
Entry requirements
I sicrhau bod dysgwyr wedi paratoi’n dda ac yn gallu elwa’n llawn ar y cwrs hwn, argymhellir yn gryf i ymgeiswyr gwblhau’r cwrs Cyflwyniad i Baent a Chorff yn llwyddiannus. Mae’r cwrs sylfaenol hwn yn darparu gwybodaeth gefndirol angenrheidiol, profiad ymarferol gyda thechnegau allweddol, a dealltwriaeth gref o weithdrefnau diogelwch sy’n hanfodol i lwyddiant mewn hyfforddiant uwch.
Facilities
Experience hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art Vehicle Body Repair and Refinishing workshop—equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and technology to help you build real-world skills in a dynamic, professional environment.
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Part Time
Course code
Qualification
Facilities
More...
I didn’t really enjoy the classroom environment in school, so I decided to do a more practical course. I found the staff treat you like an adult here. I started on the Level 1 Vehicle Repair and Refinishing course, before moving on to Level 2 and then onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship. The facilities at the College are great, they have all the correct tools and the staff are really knowledgeable. My tutors have backed me all the way – they even put me in touch with local employers and helped me gain some work experience.
I’ve learned so much and I’ve gained a lot more confidence. I competed in WorldSkills this year and finished second in Wales for Vehicle Refinishing. I’ll be competing in the UK Finals next – I cant’ wait! I feel like I’ve come a long way since first joining the College, I know that if I keep doing what I’m doing to the best of abilities I can have a great career and maybe even have a business my own one day.
Career prospects & further study
18,000
Progressions can include studying at Level 1 Diolpma or Level 2 full time courses.