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Panel Beater

Also known as Autobody Repairer.

Panel beaters repair damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on vehicles.

They also make and form vehicle panels using machines or hand tools.

Panel beaters work in workshops and wear protective clothing.

TASKS

Panel beaters may perform the following tasks:

renove damaged panels and components by unbolting or cutting them away
repair damaged body panels with specialist tools and equipment
use measuring, mechanical and hydraulic equipment to restore vehicles to factory clearances
cut and join replacement sections or damaged panels using correct welding procedures
repair dents with plastic fillers, and file, grind and sand repaired surfaces using power and hand tools
fit the repaired panels on the framework of the vehicle and refit body hardware, such as door locks and door trims
replace badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
realign chassis and body frames using chassis aligners and measuring systems
renove and replace accident-related mechanical items
renove and replace auto-electric components
help vehicle body builders to build custom-designed, speciality or vintage vehicles
assist with spray painting vehicles

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
able to work with hand tools and machines
good hand-eye coordination
able to visualise the end product
normal colour vision
aptitude for technical activities

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a panel beater you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Automotive Body Repair Technology.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

To work as a panel beater in NSW, you must be certified by NSW Fair Trading. See their website for further information. To work as a panel beater in the ACT, you must have a motor vehicle repair licence, or work under the supervision of a licensed repairer. Contact the ACT Office of Regulatory Services for further information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Panel beaters mainly work for crash repairers, new and used car dealers and motor vehicle manufacturers. A few work for motor body builders on the construction of new bodywork.

Panel beaters may progress to supervisory and management positions, especially in larger organisations. They may also establish their own motor vehicle repair businesses.

Others may move across from panel beating to related occupations such as vehicle painting and welding. Some become loss assessors in insurance companies or take up sales positions in industrial machinery and equipment.

Employment opportunities depend on the number of cars on the road, the number of accidents and technological change, especially in vehicle body structures and materials.