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Vehicle Body Builder

Vehicle body builders manufacture purpose-built bodies to fit chassis produced by other manufacturers.

They also modify and repair vehicle bodies.

They may work on buses, coaches, caravans, armoured vans, tray and van bodies, mobile workshops, semi-trailers, refrigerated vans, horse floats, fire trucks and special police vehicles.

As most vehicle body builders construct frames from metals, workshops can be noisy at times.

Protective clothing and equipment must be worn when required.

TASKS

Vehicle body builders may perform the following tasks:

manufacture framework sections in metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials by working from engineering drawings, and by using shaping machinery and all types of welding and cutting equipment
form complete frameworks by welding or bolting sections to the vehicle's structure
make the panels used to cover the framework by cutting, shaping and attaching panels of sheetmetal, aluminium, stainless steel or reinforced plastic
fit axles, suspensions and brakes
design and fit mechanised equipment, such as winches and hoists, to various types of vehicle chassis
install door handles, locks and hinges
design and carry out chassis alterations in consultation with engineers, or alter assembly line vehicles to special requirements

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
good hand-eye coordination
an eye for detail
aptitude for technical activities
interested in design and fabrication using metals and other products

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a vehicle body builder you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Automotive Body Repair Technology.

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

Additional Information

To work as a vehicle body builder in NSW, you must be certified by NSW Fair Trading. See their website for further information. To work as a vehicle body builder 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.

Workers from related trades such as boilermaking, welding and sheet metal work may also enter the occupation.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Vehicle body builders are employed primarily in the transport equipment industries, including bus and rail transport. A few are employed by firms that perform repair work. Some are self-employed.

Because of the broad range of skills required, vehicle body builders can often transfer to related trade occupations that involve metal fabrication, hydraulics, mechanical fitting, sheet metal work or finishing. In large organisations, vehicle body builders occasionally work as technical officers or technicians, or in sales.