Enhanced Vehicle Body Repair Apprenticeship 

A Vehicle Body Repairer is a skilled technician who repairs damage to the bodywork of cars, trucks and coaches, ranging from scratches, dents and rust to major accident damage. 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.

How do I become a Vehicle Body Repairer in Ireland?
To become a Vehicle Body Repairer in Ireland you will need to undertake a four-year apprenticeship with an employer who is formally approved by SOLAS and undertake off the job training with SOLAS throughout the four years. When you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a QQI Level 6 Qualification known as an Advanced Certificate Craft – Vehicle Body Repairs.

What do I learn as an Apprentice?
During your training you will learn how to:

• Carry out the fabrication of part panels and shaping of sheet metal on a workbench themselves before welding it into place.
• Apply primers such as etch primer, filler primer and surface primers.
• Spray paint and prepare new or repaired panels as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Complete paint finishing and polishing as per manufacturer’s instructions, including advanced/special paint finishes and smart repairs.
• Carry out plastic repairs and composites including carbon fibre repairs
  Work with a variety of specialized hand and power tools.

How Long is the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship is a 4-year programme consisting of 7 phases. 4 on-the-job and 3 off-the-job in a training facility.

Apprenticeship at Johnson & Perrott 
At Johnson and Perrott, we go above and beyond to provide our apprentices with unparalleled support and incentives. Alongside the comprehensive apprenticeship experience, we offer a range of enhanced benefits that fall into four key categories: Tool Support, Enhanced Training, Bonus Eligibility, and Educational Support.

• Tool Support Scheme: Empowering Apprentices with Quality Equipment: We understand the importance of having the right tools for the job. That's why, throughout your apprenticeship, we provide funding to build your tool kits. In your first year, you'll receive a tool support allowance to kickstart your starter toolbox. But it doesn't stop there. In the second, third, and fourth years, you'll be eligible for a tool allowance each year, enabling you to acquire additional tools as your responsibilities grow. And for those seeking even more flexibility, our tool loan scheme allows you to purchase further tools, with repayments conveniently deducted from your payroll on a weekly basis.
• Enhanced Training: Accelerating Your Career Development: As an apprentice at Johnson and Perrott, you'll gain more than a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Body Repair. We're thrilled to announce that our apprentices will also have access to enhanced training opportunities through our groundbreaking program. Within our dealerships, you'll receive the maximum level of training available with our franchise partners, ensuring that you're equipped with the skills to fast track your career development upon qualification.
• Educational Support: Investing in Your Future: Education is a powerful catalyst for success. As part of our commitment to your growth, apprentices are required to complete two phases of off-the-job training at a higher education institution. Normally, a student contribution fee of €1,000 is applicable. However, at Johnson and Perrott, we believe in removing barriers to success. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that we will cover both years of the student contribution fee on your behalf. This means you can pursue your qualification without incurring any fees—an opportunity not to be missed.
• Bonus Scheme: Recognizing Your Contribution: We value the vital role apprentices play within our dealerships. To acknowledge your hard work and dedication, we have implemented an exciting apprenticeship bonus scheme. Starting from your 12-month anniversary with the company, you'll become eligible for this scheme. As you progress through the years, your bonus potential increases, allowing you to earn up to 100% of the monthly workshop bonus for qualified technicians.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future?
Don't miss this opportunity to join Johnson and Perrott. To apply for this role or to find out more information, please fill out our contact form HERE. Start your journey today and drive towards a thrilling career in the automotive industry!

Note: For further information on the statutory apprenticeship scheme and minimum entry requirements, please visit SOLAS, at www.solas.ie