Level 3 Car Body Repair and Paint Course in Leeds

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyInstitute of the Motor Industry awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Car Accident Repair Paint Course in Leeds. Classes run at Leeds City College Printworks Campus, full-time during the day. If you're 16 to 18 years old, there's no course fee. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though a Learner Loan may be available to help. You'll need a relevant Level 2 qualification and GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English, maths, and ideally science. The course runs over one year and covers the principles and techniques behind professional vehicle paint repair. This car accident repair paint qualification is awarded by IMI.

Who this course is for

If you’re in year 11 or 12 and are looking to take the next steps towards your career these courses are for you. Our vast selection of vocational courses span a range of subjects and combine academic study with practical skills. Study in industry standard facilities and use our industry links to prepare for progression.

Entry requirements

A relevant level 2 qualification and GCSEs at grade 4 including English, maths, and ideally science.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to prepare vehicle surfaces for painting, including sanding and priming.
  • You'll develop skills in mixing and matching paint colours accurately.
  • You'll practise applying paint finishes to industry standards.
  • You'll study the properties of paint materials and how they behave.
  • You'll learn how to identify and correct paint defects.
  • You'll understand health and safety requirements in a vehicle paint workshop.
  • You'll gain knowledge of environmental regulations around paint use and waste disposal.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and hands-on practical work in workshop facilities. Assessment is through practical tasks, assignments, and written work. You'll be assessed on your ability to apply paint repair techniques to the standard expected in the industry. The course is delivered full-time during the day over one year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Leeds City College Printworks Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Vehicle paint technician. Repair and refinish damaged bodywork in a body shop.
  • Accident repair technician. Work on vehicles after collision damage.
  • Bodyshop painter. Apply paint finishes in a commercial bodyshop.
  • Vehicle refinisher. Specialist paint and finishing work across car brands.
  • Fleet vehicle painter. Maintain and repaint fleet vehicles for businesses.
  • Automotive refinishing technician. Work in dealerships or independent repair centres.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Award or Diploma in a specialist automotive subject. Deepens technical knowledge and can support supervisory roles.
  • Apprenticeship Standard: Vehicle Damage Paint Technician (Level 3). Combines on-the-job training with formal assessment and leads to recognised industry status.
  • IMI Accreditation. Professional recognition from IMI that employers in the sector look for when hiring experienced technicians.

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