Occupational Certificate: Vehicle Painter (Automobile & Marine)

NQF Level: 2–4
Study Mode: Full-time

About this Programme

A Vehicle Painter is a skilled professional who applies specialised coatings such as corrosion-inhibiting primers, fillers, and finishing coats to vehicle surfaces in line with strict specifications. This includes both interior and exterior parts for automotive and marine industries.

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Inspect and assess the quality of surfaces to be painted

• Prepare surfaces for optimal paint adhesion

• Mix and apply primers according to requirements

• Mix and apply top coats/finishing coats to prepared surfaces

• Inspect the final painted product to ensure quality standards

This qualification equips learners with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and workplace experience to excel in professional painting environments.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Minimum Grade 11 (preference given to Grade 12 applicants)

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Automotive body repair workshops

• Marine repair and finishing industry

• Independent vehicle refinishing services

Duration

3 years (including alternating periods of classroom training and workplace experience)

Course Content

Knowledge Modules

• Health and Safety Compliance (NQF 2)

• Basic Hand and Power Tools – pneumatic & electric (NQF 2)

• Air Supply Equipment (NQF 2)

• Surface Preparation (NQF 2)

• Vehicle Painting Materials (NQF 2)

• Basic Colour Mixing and Matching (NQF 2)

• Vehicle Painting Tools and Equipment Maintenance (NQF 3)

• Vehicle Painting Techniques (NQF 3)

• Removing Paint Imperfections (NQF 3)

• Colour Matching (NQF 3)

• Defects on a Painted Surface (NQF 3)

• Quality Management Principles (NQF 3)

• Customer Service Management (NQF 4)

• Specialised Vehicle Painting (NQF 4)

Practical Skill Modules

• Inspect Surface to be Painted (NQF 3)

• Prepare for Primer Application (NQF 3)

• Mix Primers (NQF 3)

• Apply Various Primers (NQF 3)

• Mix Various Top Coats/Finishing Coats (NQF 4)

• Apply Top Coats/Finishing Coats to Prepared Surfaces (NQF 4)

• Perform Finishing Activities (NQF 4)

• Analyse Quality of Final Product (NQF 4)

Workplace Modules

• Vehicle Inspection Processes (NQF 3)

• Surface Coating Preparation Processes (NQF 3)

• Primer Mixing and Application Processes (NQF 3)

• Top Coats/Finishing Coats Mixing and Application Processes (NQF 4)

• Finishing Processes (NQF 4)

• Quality Assurance Processes (NQF 4)