Spray Painting Apprenticeship
AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology
Spray painters are the artists of the automotive world, restoring vehicles to their best condition and finishing them with precision and skill. From fixing scratches and dents to applying full-body resprays, spray painting combines technical expertise with creativity. With an AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, you’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, mix and match paint, and apply professional finishes to vehicles, setting yourself up for a rewarding and in-demand trade career.
Is this Apprenticeship Right for You?
This apprenticeship is a great fit if you:
Have an eye for detail and design
Enjoy practical, hands-on work
Are patient and precise in your approach
Have an interest in cars, restoration, or custom finishes
Want a trade that blends technical skill with creativity
What do you do as a Spray Painting Apprentice?
As a Spray Painting Apprentice, you’ll learn how to:
Prepare surfaces by sanding, priming, and masking vehicles
Mix and colour-match paints for a perfect finish
Apply primers, base coats, and clear coats using spray guns
Repair paintwork damage, scratches, and corrosion
Safely use workshop tools, equipment, and protective gear
Work under qualified spray painters while completing your training
Why choose a Spray Painting Apprenticeship?
Spray painting is a trade that gives you both job security and creative freedom. From automotive repair shops to custom car builders, spray painters are always in demand. You’ll gain valuable trade skills, work with the latest paint technology, and have opportunities to specialise in custom design, detailing, or high-end refinishing. It’s a pathway to a career where no two jobs look exactly the same.
Quick Facts:
What qualification do I need in Australia?
No formal qualifications are needed to start — just a willingness to learn, an eye for detail, and an interest in cars or refinishing work.
What do you do as a first-year Spray Painting Apprentice?
In your first year, you’ll start with basic prep work like sanding, cleaning, priming, and masking vehicles. You’ll also assist senior spray painters with mixing paint and applying undercoats.
What qualification will I receive?
On completion, you’ll earn the AUR32420 Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, a nationally recognised qualification.
Future opportunities
Qualified spray painters can progress into senior tradesperson roles, workshop supervisors, or custom paint specialists. With experience, you could even open your own refinishing or custom paint business.
What will I learn?
As part of your spray painting apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Carefully prepare panel surfaces prior to painting.
- Mix paints and to colour match to the original by eye or using computer technology.
- Use modern spray painting equipment and spray processes.
- Understand the blends and multi-layered formulations in modern paints.
- Create special effects with paint and finishes.
- Mask glass and other areas before paint application.
- Clean a vehicle to be painted.
- Apply coats of primer.
- Clean and maintain spray equipment.
- Buff and polish vehicle painted surfaces.
What skills do I need?
You don’t need prior knowledge or experience to begin a spray painting apprenticeship. What matters most is a strong interest in cars and a practical mindset to help you excel.
Through an apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on training at work while expanding your knowledge through additional studies at a Registered Training Organisation. This combination ensures you develop the essential skills and expertise needed to succeed in the industry.
Spray painting apprenticeships do more than just teach the basics, they open doors to exciting career opportunities. By starting your apprenticeship, you take the first step toward a fulfilling career in the automotive world. Why wait? Begin your journey today!
Entry requirements
Starting a spray painting apprenticeship doesn’t require formal entrance qualifications. However, you’ll need to secure an apprenticeship placement to begin your training. Strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and basic mathematics will help you succeed.
Once accepted, you’ll complete enrolment documentation to officially start your journey. To qualify, you must also be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Don’t let barriers hold you back—take the first step toward a rewarding career in the automotive industry today!
What are my training options?
Pursuing a spray painting apprenticeship gives you the flexibility to choose a path that suits your goals. A full-time apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognized Certificate III qualification. This program combines hands-on training in a workshop with classroom learning at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ensuring you gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
If you’re still in high school, a school-based apprenticeship offers a perfect balance. You can continue your education while starting your training, creating a seamless transition into the workforce. Program durations vary based on your school, RTO, and workplace arrangements.
Start Strong with Pre-Apprenticeship Courses
To kick-start your journey, Apprenticeships Are Us provides pre-apprenticeship courses throughout the year. These courses equip you with foundational skills and hands-on experience, giving you a competitive edge when starting your apprenticeship. Completing a pre-apprenticeship is a significant step toward building a successful career in the automotive industry.
Whether you’re ready for a full-time apprenticeship or want to explore a pre-apprenticeship first, we’re here to support you. Take the next step and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in spray painting today!
Duration of an apprenticeship
A spray painting apprenticeship typically takes four years to complete. During this time, you’ll work under an apprenticeship contract, gaining hands-on experience and developing essential skills in the automotive industry.
However, you can fast-track your journey. If you demonstrate all the required competencies before the four-year mark, you can finish your apprenticeship sooner. With dedication and hard work, you have the opportunity to accelerate your career and step into the industry even faster.
Start your apprenticeship today and take the first step toward mastering spray painting skills!
Career pathways
What next? Unlock Your Potential with Spray Painting Apprenticeships
Your spray painting apprenticeship is just the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career in the automotive industry. How far you go depends entirely on your ambition and dedication. This path opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Qualified Spray Painter: $75K – $85K
- Workshop Manager: $80K – $165K
- Franchise Owner: $100K – $180K
- Service Advisor: $75K – $120K
- Service Manager: $95K – $165K
- Sales Professional: $75K – $160K
- Skills Trainer: $85K – $100K
- Warranty Specialist: $55K – $90K
- Business Administrator: $50K – $90K
- Engineer: $90K – $190K
As automotive technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. Completing a spray painting apprenticeship equips you with the expertise to thrive in this ever-changing industry.
Take the first step toward a career full of possibilities, start your apprenticeship today!
To apply for an Automotive Apprenticeship register your interest at https://www.apprus.com.au/apply/
If you have an account with Indeed you can also check out some of our advertised Job Vacancies for Automotive Apprenticeships at https://au.indeed.com/cmp/Apprenticeships-Are-US-1/jobs
Or if you prefer you can also try us at Seek.com.au https://www.seek.com.au/Apprenticeships-R-Us-jobs/at-this-company
Kickstart your automotive career with Apprenticeships Are Us. Explore exciting apprenticeships in light vehicle, heavy vehicle, and auto electrical trades. Join Australia’s leading automotive apprenticeship provider today!
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