Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology

About this course

Do you love cars and have an eye for detail? This course will teach you how to paint, refinish and maintain vehicle surfaces.

You will learn how to:

use expert painting techniques
prepare vehicle surfaces for painting
match paint colours accurately
follow safety procedures
use and maintain tools and equipment.

This course can lead to jobs such as:

vehicle spray painter
automotive refinishing technician
paint technician
mobile car detailing specialist.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course must be done as an apprenticeship. You’ll get practical skills and experience in a specific trade or profession. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To do an apprenticeship you’ll need an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice.

To get started:
- search for advertised apprenticeship opportunities and apply
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as an apprenticeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Core units

Unit title	Unit code
Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace	AURAEA002
Interpret and apply automotive repair instructions	AURAFA108
Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace	AURASA102
Mask vehicle panels and components	AURVTP002
Apply refinishing primers to vehicle surfaces	AURVTP006
Prepare and paint plastic and composite vehicle surfaces	AURVTP019
De-nib, buff and polish vehicle painted surfaces	AURVTP020
Remove paint from vehicle painted surfaces	AURVTP101
Prepare vehicle spray painting equipment for use	AURVTP103
Apply basic colour matching techniques using vehicle paint codes	AURVTP104
Prepare and operate vehicle paint drying equipment	AURVTP110
Prepare vehicle substrates for refinishing	AURVTP113
Colour match multi-layer and clear over base two-pack paints on vehicles and components	AURVTP114
Match direct gloss solid paint colour on vehicles or components	AURVTP115
Rectify and touch up vehicle paint faults using clear over base two-pack systems	AURVTP117
Apply clear over base two-pack refinishing materials to vehicle body components	AURVTP123
Apply clear over base multi-layer and pearl refinishing materials to vehicle body components	AURVTP124
Apply water-based refinishing materials to vehicle bodies and substrates	AURVTP125

Elective units

Unit title	Unit code
Read and respond to automotive workplace information	AURAFA002
Resolve routine problems in an automotive workplace	AURAFA104
Work effectively with others in an automotive workplace	AURAMA001
Depower and reinitialise hybrid electric vehicles	AURETH011
Depower and reinitialise battery electric vehicles	AURETH101
Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles	AURETR125
Prepare vehicles for customer use	AURVTA001
Inspect vehicle paint, trim and accessories and recommend repair procedures	AURVTA003
Remove and replace adhesive attached components on vehicles	AURVTN005
Repair vehicle thermoplastic body panels and components	AURVTN017
Inspect vehicle damage and determine repair procedures	AURVTN132
Apply original equipment manufacturer repair procedures during vehicle repairs	AURVTN135
Apply basic airbrush techniques to vehicle body panels	AURVTP026
Touch up minor vehicle paintwork damage	AURVTP107
Apply vehicle body film wrapping	AURVTP109
Apply solid acrylic two-pack materials to vehicle components	AURVTP111
Apply air dry and polyurethane refinishing materials	AURVTP112
Rectify and touch up vehicle direct gloss paint faults using two-pack systems	AURVTP116
Rectify vehicle multi-layer and pearl paint faults using two-pack systems	AURVTP118
Carry out custom painting techniques to vehicle body panels	AURVTP128
Provide work skill instruction	TAEDEL301

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Docker Street (Wangaratta)
Delivery modes: Part time on-campus
- Visit GOTAFE for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Docklands
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Kangan Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: East Geelong
Delivery modes: Flexible delivery
- Visit The Gordon for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider