ACCIDENT REPAIR BODY PRINCIPLES Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
IMI

Overview

Throughout the Accident Repair Body Principles Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship, participants will learn the fundamental principles of accident repair and bodywork, including assessing damage, repairing body panels, and refinishing surfaces. They will gain an understanding of different types of vehicle structures, repair methods, and materials used in the trade, as well as the tools and equipment used for bodywork repairs.

This apprenticeship covers technical needs for body repair techniques and procedures. It provides essential knowledge and skills for the body repairer working on a wide range of vehicles, in all types of garages, dealerships and specialist body repair shops. The programme involves many technical aspects of body repair including removing and fitting permanent and non-permanent fixed body panels and components, carrying out minor repairs to body panels and resistance spot welding.

This qualification will demonstrate to an employer that an individual has gained the right knowledge and experience to help them in their business. It provides vocationally related knowledge, skills and competence which will improve employability within these vocations.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules will include:

Basic Engineering - Bench Fitting
Motor Vehicle Body Construction and Materials
Mechanical Fastening Operations
Removing and Fitting Panels
Exterior Body Panel Repair
Welding Techniques

Assessment in the Level 2 Apprenticeship is based on a combination of practical tasks, written assignments and online tests. Apprentices will demonstrate their competence through practical tasks, such as repairing and replacing body panels, achieving high-quality finishes, and following repair processes. They will also be required to complete written assignments and online tests to assess their understanding of accident repair and bodywork principles.

On successful completion of the level 2 apprenticeship, students can progress to a level 3 apprenticeship in a light vehicle related area. From there learners may wish to complete the IMI Level 4 in Advanced Automotive Repair also offered at SRC.

Upon successful completion of the Accident Repair Body Principles Level 2 Apprenticeship, individuals will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional opportunities in the field of accident repair and bodywork. Graduates may find employment opportunities with automotive repair shops, collision centres, or self-employment as independent accident repair technicians. They may work on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, where their skills in assessing and repairing vehicle damage and achieving high-quality finishes will be in demand.