Apprenticeship · Level 6 · Motor

Vehicle Body Repairs

Vehicle body repairers fix damage to the bodywork of cars, trucks and coaches, from scratches and dents to major accident damage. It suits people who take pride in a neat finish and like hands-on work.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
4 years (7 phases: 4 on-the-job, 3 off-the-job)
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Vehicle Body Repairs
Where you train
  • National training centres and colleges (ETBs, TUs)
Pay
Salary from your employer on-the-job (rate agreed with employer); training allowance from your ETB during off-the-job phases
Costs
Student contribution of €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6 (two off-the-job phases are in a higher education institution)

Entry requirements

  • Must be hired by an approved employer
  • Enough English to take part in training and assessment (e.g. Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert or Leaving Cert Applied, or equivalent proof)
  • Must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition)
  • Full eligibility is in the apprenticeship brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs page on apprenticeship.ie or ask your local ETB.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Make and shape sheet metal panels and weld them in place
  • Apply primers and spray paint to manufacturer instructions
  • Polish and finish paintwork, including smart repairs
  • Repair plastics and composites, including carbon fibre
  • Use specialised hand and power tools

Where it can lead

  • Vehicle body repairer in garages and specialist repair shops
  • Engineer, manager, self-employed business owner
  • Technical trainer, instructor, lecturer or teacher

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Engineering, Technology, Art

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.