Vocational education providers play a vital role in nurturing and training the next generation of collision repairers. GOTAFE provides quality, industry-aligned and hands-on training to students and employers, which is helping to increase the automotive workforce in regional Victoria.
Five reasons to study paint and panel at GOTAFE
For those interested in the automotive industry and who have a passion for transforming damaged vehicles into flawless works of art, then studying a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120) or Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420) at GOTAFE might be the perfect choice.
Located in the Goulburn-Ovens region in Victoria, GOTAFE is renowned for providing top-quality vocational education and training in autobody repair and refinishing, helping students prepare for a rewarding career in the industry.
Additionally, with people retiring and fewer younger workers entering the automotive industry, regions such as Goulburn Ovens are seeing a growing need for talent.
Nationally, a workforce shortage exists for panel beaters and demand is expected to grow by a further 10 per cent, according to Seek, meaning graduates can take the knowledge with them and are well positioned to find a job anywhere in Australia.
Here are five reasons why young people should consider enrolling in automotive body refinishing or automotive body repair courses at GOTAFE:
1. Hands on, industry standard training
At GOTAFE, all automotive qualifications are designed to offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Students work on real vehicles in state-of-the-art workshops, gaining hands-on experience that mirrors the day-to-day operations of professional automotive technicians and autobody repairers.
The training incorporates industry-standard techniques, ensuring that they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern automotive repair world.
Certificate III in Automotive Body Refinishing Technology (AUR32420) student Nick Stephens shared that he enrolled with GOTAFE to enhance his skills in industry.
“I have learned lots of different skills like welding, metal finishing, and all different stuff about car models, as well as heaps of skills I can take into the workplace.”
2. Expert trainers with industry experience
GOTAFE boasts experienced trainers who have a wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience.
Learning from seasoned professionals means students will gain insights into the latest industry trends, techniques, and technologies.
These Trainers are dedicated to student success and will guide them through every step of their learning journey, providing them with personalized support to ensure they excel.
“The skills and knowledge that our paint and panel students learn throughout the process will help them to be the best of the best out in the industry,” GOTAFE Lead Educator Automotive Mark Earnshaw says.
3. Strong industry connections
GOTAFE has built solid relationships with employers and industry leaders, giving students the opportunity to network with potential employers and apprenticeship providers.
Partnerships with local automotive businesses increase their chances of finding work placements and gaining valuable connections that can boost career prospects in autobody refinishing.
Employers recognise the quality of education at GOTAFE, making graduates highly sought after in the job market.
4. Diverse career opportunities
Studying automotive at GOTAFE opens the door to a wide variety of career paths which allows students to bring their passion to work every day, and get state-of-the-art training in specialty technologies and vehicle types.
Whether prospective students want to work in a collision repair shop, start their own business, or specialise in areas like paint technology or panel beating, the skills and knowledge they acquire at GOTAFE will equip. them for success in any area of the industry.
The automotive repair sector is a booming industry with a constant demand for skilled workers, ensuring that the qualifications are highly marketable.
From farming machinery to luxury cars, there are a wide range of skill sets and specialisations available to choose from.
5. State-of-the-art facilities and resources
At GOTAFE, students have access to the latest equipment and tools used in the automotive industry.
GOTAFE’s workshops are equipped with high-tech facilities that provide students with the resources necessary to develop advanced technical skills.
Whether it is spray booths, paint mixing systems, or specialised tools, they will undertake study with gold standard equipment, giving them a competitive edge when entering the workforce.
Hands-on automotive training
Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420) student Thomas Carlin said he loves working on cars – specifically “bringing them back to life.”
“When you are given something that is broken, and you have got to fix that, re-paint it… I love doing that stuff,” he says.
Thomas was one of GOTAFE’s Regional WorldSkills participants, a series of competitions providing vocational education students the opportunity to showcase their talents.
He spoke about the skills he learned in the workshop during the competition.
“They gave us a door skin to paint, along with a sprayer card to match paint,” he says.
“We had to put a decal on the door skin, and a clear coat over that.”
Overall, his love for cars really shone through during his time at TAFE and in the competition.
“I like the challenge, it gets you moving, and makes you focus on what you are doing,” he said.
“It is a big learning experience.”
Studying autobody refinishing or automotive refinishing technology at GOTAFE offers all students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and valuable industry connections that are essential for building a rewarding career in the automotive industry.
GOTAFE qualifications equip students with the technical skills required to repair, refinish, and restore vehicles to a high standard.
With expert trainers who bring years of industry experience, they will receive personalised guidance and practical insights.
The state-of-the-art facilities at GOTAFE ensure that they work with the latest equipment and techniques.
Additionally, strong ties with industry partners can open numerous career opportunities, helping students to transition seamlessly into the workforce as a highly skilled, sought-after professional.
Whether graduates choose to stay local, or take their career elsewhere, students will have the skills to take them where they want to go.
This is an opportunity for students to bring their passion to work every day, by training in specialty technologies and vehicle types with GOTAFE’s Automotive courses.
They can get into the nitty gritty of automotive repair and maintenance, develop an eye for detail and gain the skills for solving problems.
From farming machinery to luxury cars, there are a wide range of skill sets and specialisations available to choose from.
Turbo charge your career. With GOTAFE by your side, YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Visit www.GOTAFE.vic.edu.au or call 1300 GOTAFE (468 233) for more information.