Spray Painter
Spray Painting isn't just about painting cars. It's the pathway to a variety of career opportunities. The paint on modern cars is a sophisticated technological product that requires great skill in preparation, application and in colour matching.
If you like custom cars, paint graphics, amazing paint jobs and have a good eye for colour - you'll love a career as an automotive spray painter!
Qualified vehicle spray painters are highly valued in the automotive industry, with opportunities to work for large workshops, preferred insurance repairers or brand specialists.
This role may lead to running your own business for general accident repair and spray painting, providing specialised services working with custom paints, graphics, race/street car preparation and car restorations.
What will I learn?
As part of your 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?
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary but a keen interest in cars and a practical aptitude will help.
An apprenticeship is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need with practical training at work, and extra studies at a Registered Training Organisation.
An apprenticeship will get you started in the industry, and open up the doors to a great career.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entrance requirements however you will need to be placed in an apprenticeship to start your training and you should be able to read, write and understand basic mathematical concepts. Successful applicants will be required to complete enrolment documentation. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
What are my training options?
You can do a full-time apprenticeship, resulting in a Certificate III qualification. This includes training within a workshop as well as with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). A school-based apprenticeship can also be completed whilst at school (the length of study may vary depending on the school, RTO and workplace arrangements).
Apprenticeships Are Us run pre-apprenticeship courses that commence throughout the year. This will provide the fundamental skills and potentially a pathway to start an appprenticeship.
For a full list of course dates and locations, please click here.
Duration of an apprenticeship
This apprenticeship has a nominal duration of 4 years to complete, during which you must be employed in an apprenticeship contract. It is possible to complete the apprenticeship sooner if you achieve the necessary competencies before this time.
Career pathways
What next?
How far you go is completely up to you!
Your apprenticeship is the first step. It can get you started on the way to a successful career as a:
- Spray Painter ($40K - $100K)
- Workshop Manager ($80K - $165K)
- Franchise Owner ($70K - $180K)
- Service Advisor ($60K - $120K)
- Service Manager ($80K - $165K)
- Sales ($70K - $160K)
- Skills Trainer ($70K - $100K)
- Warranty ($55K - $90K)
- Business Admin ($50K - $90K)
- Graphic Design ($60K - $100K)
Technology is always changing, creating a higher demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry.
How far do you want to go?