Students gain hands-on skills in Automotive Panel and Paint Program

CIT is proud to celebrate the achievements of ACT Education students who recently completed the Automotive Panel and Paint Career Starter Program at CIT Fyshwick.

This year, eight students completed all three national units of competency, giving them direct pathways into automotive trades:

• AURASA102 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
• AURTTK102 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
• AURVTP113 Prepare vehicle substrates for refinishing

The program was created in conjunction with the collision repair industry and the ACT Education Directorate to give school students in Years 10–12 a taste of the trade and promote job opportunities in a sector experiencing skills shortages.

For many students, this was their first hands-on experience with cars and fabrication.

Oliver, a Year 10 student from Calwell High School, said: “I’ve always wanted to do hands-on work with vehicles… I’ve learned patience, a steadier hand, and how important it is to slow down and do things properly rather than rush. Painting a metal panel is a lot harder than it seems. There are several layers of primer and preparation before you even start painting, and that really opened my eyes to the work involved.”

CIT thanks our industry partners, the Education Directorate, families, and educators for shaping a practical, inspiring program that opens new career opportunities for students.