SPECIALIST TRADES
Specialist trades keep the industry moving by focusing on electrical systems, body repairs, paint finishes, engines, and even the supply of parts. These apprenticeships give you the chance to learn niche skills, work with advanced tools, and play a vital role in keeping vehicles safe, reliable, and looking their best.
Auto Electrical
If you re curious about wiring, electronics, and the latest vehicle technology, auto electrical could be the trade for you. From diagnosing faults to fitting accessories, you ll develop the skills needed to handle the electrical side of today s complex vehicles.
What You ll Do
- Diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems
- Install and maintain batteries, alternators, and starter motors
- Work with wiring, fuses, relays, and circuit systems
- Fit accessories like radios, alarms, and GPS systems
- Use advanced diagnostic tools to test and repair faults
Where It Can Take You
- Specialist roles in auto electrical workshops or dealerships
- Mobile technician or breakdown service roles
- Work on trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles
- Opportunities to move into management or run your own auto electrical business
Engine Reconditioner
Engine reconditioners are the experts behind rebuilding and restoring engines. If you like working with precision and have an eye for detail, this trade gives you the chance to bring worn-out engines back to life.
What You’ll Do
- Dismantle, clean, and assess engine parts
- Repair or replace damaged components
- Use machining tools to re-bore, grind, and resurface parts
- Reassemble engines to manufacturer standards
- Test reconditioned engines to ensure performance and reliability
Where It Can Take You
- Engine reconditioning workshops across cars, trucks, and machinery
- Performance tuning and motorsport engine building
- Opportunities to specialise in machining or diagnostics
- The option to progress into workshop management or business ownership
Panel Beating
Panel beaters restore vehicles to their original condition after accidents. If you like hands-on work with tools and don t mind getting stuck into body repairs, this trade combines skill with creativity.
What You’ll Do
- Repair and replace damaged panels and bodywork
- Weld, cut, and shape metal to manufacturer standards
- Use specialist tools to realign frames and panels
- Work with plastic, steel, and aluminium repairs
- Prepare vehicles for painting and finishing
Where It Can Take You
- Body repair shops or dealership service centres
- Specialist restoration work on classic or performance cars
- Insurance repair networks
- Career growth into estimator, supervisor, or workshop manager roles
Spray Painting
Spray painters are the finishing touch of the automotive industry. If you ve got an eye for colour and detail, this trade lets you transform vehicles with professional paintwork and refinishing.
What You’ll Do
- Match and mix paint colours using computerised systems
- Prepare surfaces through sanding, masking, and priming
- Apply undercoats, basecoats, and clear finishes
- Repair paintwork defects and refinish damaged areas
- Use spray booths and modern painting equipment safely
Where It Can Take You
- Dealerships, repair shops, or specialist paint workshops
- Custom paintwork and vehicle restorations
- Opportunities in marine or industrial painting
- Career progression into leadership or your own paint business
Spare Parts Interpreter
Spare parts interpreters keep workshops and customers supplied with the right parts. If you’re organised, good with people, and enjoy solving problems, this trade is all about matching parts to vehicles and keeping repairs on track.
What You’ll Do
- Identify, source, and supply automotive parts
- Work with catalogues, computer systems, and suppliers
- Assist mechanics and customers with advice and product knowledge
- Manage stock, orders, and deliveries
- Keep up to date with the latest parts and accessories
Where It Can Take You
- Dealerships, repair workshops, and parts suppliers
- Opportunities in wholesale or retail sales
- Progress into stock management, purchasing, or sales rep roles
- The option to step into management or run your own parts business
