Intro to Motor Vehicle Industry & Technologies: IMI
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Course overview
Learn the specialist skills behind vehicle body repair and restoration.
Delivered at our Springburn Campus, the IMI Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair (Body Principles) is designed for learners interested in a career as a Panel Repair Technician (Panel Beater) or other body-repair roles within the automotive industry.
You’ll learn through a mix of hands-on practical training and supporting theory, developing the knowledge and techniques used by professionals in modern body shops. The course focuses on safe, accurate, and efficient repair methods, preparing you for progression into employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study.
This course is ideal if you:
- Have an interest in the automotive repair and refinishing industry.
- Enjoy practical, hands-on learning.
- Want to develop technical skills in panel repair, welding, and vehicle restoration.
- Are working towards a Modern Apprenticeship or Level 6 qualification in body repair.
What you will learn
You’ll develop the core practical and technical skills required to work in automotive body repair and accident restoration.
Core learning areas include:
- Body Repair Techniques – removing and refitting panels, straightening body structures, and repairing damage from dings and dents.
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Trim (M.E.T) – understanding how body systems connect and function.
- Welding and Joining – developing MIG welding and resistance spot welding skills.
- Plastic Bumper Repair and Finishing – welding and refinishing plastic components.
- Essential Theory and Testing – verbal knowledge assessments and IMI online multiple-choice tests.
All practical work is carried out in our dedicated automotive workshop, using industry-standard tools and repair equipment.
Entry requirements
To apply for the IMI Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair (Body Principles), you should have:
✅ National 4 (or above) in English and Mathematics, and
✅ A keen interest in the automotive body repair trade, along with the motivation to learn and succeed.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This qualification opens up opportunities in a range of vehicle repair and bodywork roles, including:
🚙 Panel Repair Technician (Panel Beater)
🔩 Body Repair Assistant or Apprentice
🎨 Vehicle Refinishing Technician (Paint Prep / Sprayer)
🧰 Workshop Assistant or M.E.T Technician
⚙️ Bodyshop Trainee Technician
With experience, you can progress to senior body repair or supervisory roles, or move into advanced apprenticeships and higher qualifications.
Future prospects
Students can progress directly to:
- Level 6 Body Repair and Refinishing courses
- Modern Apprenticeships in body repair or refinishing
- Employment in vehicle accident repair centres, dealerships, or independent workshops
This IMI Diploma provides the practical foundation and recognised qualification you need to start your career in the automotive accident repair industry.
