Car painter
"I have always been interested in cars, but the work of a mechanic, for example, seemed too challenging and complicated. I thought that car painter training could be better suited for me."
- Inka Ylijoki
- Studies Vocational Qualification in the Motor Vehicles Sector at Vantaa Vocational College.
- Two months of work experience in the field.
Briefly explain what you do for a living.
I am at the beginning of my career because my studies in the motor vehicles sector are not finished, but I worked as a car painter with an apprenticeship last summer.
The tasks of a car painter include painting and finishing the surfaces of vehicles. First, I assess the damage and then start the surface pre-treatment with washing and grinding and, if necessary, I use putty to the damaged parts. Before painting, it is important to protect other surfaces where paint should not be splashed. I paint the surface and finally finish and polish the painted area.
How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?
When I was young, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do for a living. I have always been interested in cars, but the work of a mechanic, for example, seemed too challenging and complicated. I thought that car painter training could be better suited for me.
Describe your typical working day or week.
First, I put on work clothes and check what kind of repairs are available. The most typical types of work include the surface treatment of the car door, bumper or wing. I assess the extent of the damage, wash the surface and start grinding the area. The next step depends on the nature of the damage but, in most cases, the rest of the day is spent painting.
What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?
Car painters work in car paint shops and damage repair shops. The work involves exposure to dust, strong odours and chemicals, so protective equipment must always be used.
Working hours vary, but painting is usually carried out as daytime work.
What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?
Car painters must be accurate and patient. You must also be able to ask for help and communicate with other employees to ensure smooth cooperation at the workplace.
What is the best thing about your profession?
The work is versatile. I like that there are suitable number of challenges in working days, but also easier work stages that are repeated in a similar manner.
What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?
Many types of damage can occur in vehicles, so repairing them requires versatile expertise and experience. At the beginning of your career, some jobs seem difficult.
What would you tell a person considering the profession of a car painter?
I was surprised how challenging the work was at first. However, it is a good idea to continue studying and practising painting persistently, as the work becomes easier over time.
How do you see the future of your profession?
It may be that some of the work will be carried out using machines in the future, but I still believe that there will be plenty of work for car painters.