With this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified vehicle body repairer, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Vehicle Body Repairs.

You may then choose to work as a vehicle body repairer in the motor industry, in garages with vehicle repair facilities and in ‘specialised’ repair shops.

Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, self-employed business owners, technical trainers, instructors, lecturers, teachers and more.

As a vehicle body repairer, your work will involve repairing damage to the bodywork of cars, trucks and coaches, ranging from scratches, dents and rust to major accident damage. This may involve hammering out dents or filling with body solder or plastic fillers.

The vehicle body repairer requires a comprehensive knowledge of vehicle body construction and the work involves assessment of damage and preparation of estimates, body panel repair and replacement, body alignment, spray painting and customised alterations.

Computerised and electronically-controlled systems will be an important aspect of your job.

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Vehicle Body Repairs Apprenticeship brochure.

For further information, contact your local Education and Training board.

Contact Solas