Motor Vehicle Body Repairer
What is the work like?
As a motor vehicle body repairer, you would fix or replace accident-damaged parts on light vehicles – cars, small vans and motorcycles; and heavy vehicles – lorries, construction plant, buses and coaches. You might also repair or replace cracked windscreens and glass.
When a vehicle comes in, your first task is to assess the extent of the damage and the best way to do the repairs. Once you have done this, you set about the repair job, which could include some or all of the following duties:
- removing damaged panels or parts to repair at a workbench
- smoothing out minor dents in panels with a ‘dolly’ hammer and other tools
- filling small holes or rusted areas with resin, body solder and other compound fillers
- fitting new panels where the damage is too great for repair
- custom-building body panels from sheet metal before welding them into place.
After you have fixed the damaged parts, you would refinish the surfaces by:
- removing old paintwork, sealant and rust, using a wire wheel attached to a drill or grinder
- cleaning the repair area and masking off other parts to be left alone
- priming and paint spraying the area, using the manufacturer instructions on colour matches
- sealing and waxing the repair.
You would also keep a record of completed work to give to the customer when they come to collect their vehicle.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to start training as an apprentice in vehicle servicing or body repair. To do this, you will normally need some GCSEs, including maths, English, science, engineering, IT, design and technology or equivalent qualifications. For more details about this route, see www.apprenticeships.org.uk, manufacturers' websites and the Insitute of the Motor Industry.
You could also take automotive qualifications at college, which are open to all age groups, for example:
- City & Guilds Vehicle Body and Paint Operations (4101)
- City & Guilds Body and Paint Maintenance (3901)
- City & Guilds Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (4101)
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Vehicle Technology
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Engineering (Automotive).
Your local further education college should be able to give you more information about the courses they offer. Check with them for more details.
You can also get into this kind of work after training in vehicle mechanics. For more details, see the job profile for Motor Vehicle Technician.
Contact the Institute of the Motor Industry for general information about careers in this field.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a vehicle body repairer, you would train on the job, with day or block release at a local college or training provider. This would lead to the NVQ in Vehicle Body and Paint Operations at levels 2 and 3.
The NVQ units include:
- removal and repair of panels
- refit of mechanical and electrical trim
- repair of paint defects and refinishing.
You could also work towards the NVQ in Automotive Glazing at levels 2 and 3, if your job includes windscreen fitting.
If you work on passenger carrying vehicles, you can take the NVQ in Transport Engineering Maintenance at levels 1 to 3. This covers mechanical and electrical work, coachbuilding and body repairs.
If you have proven skills and experience, you could apply to the Institute of the Motor Industry for details about Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). This is a voluntary programme backed by the automotive industry and designed to enhance your career prospects. It has three levels: Service Maintenance Technician, Diagnostic Technician and Master Technician. You would take a series of practical exams and online knowledge tests at each level.
Where can I go for more information?
FanshawsBrickendon
Hertford
SG13 8PQ
Tel: 01992 511521
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Qualified vehicle body repairers earn between £13,500 and £18,000 a year.
- Supervisors can earn up to £26,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours would usually be between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some firms operate shift patterns, which include evenings and Saturday mornings.
You would spend most of your time in a workshop, which might include a paint-spraying booth. Health and safety is a very important part of this work, so you would wear a protective mask, overall, goggles and gloves on some jobs.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills and the ability to use a range of tools
- the ability to work methodically and pay close attention to detail
- the ability to work without close supervision
- good communication skills
- the ability to follow written instructions
- a reasonable level of fitness and normal colour vision
- an awareness of health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
There is a steady demand for trained vehicle body repairers. Opportunities exist throughout the country, ranging from large main car dealerships, specialising in one particular make of vehicle to small workshops.
You could also work for specialist customisation bodyshops, vehicle restorers, road haulage, and bus and coach companies.
If you work in a small garage, you might combine vehicle body repair with paint spraying duties. In larger garages, you can specialise in one or the other. Your options for promotion include supervisory and bodyshop management positions in larger organisations.
With experience, you could become self-employed.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
autojob.co.uk
IMI Magazine
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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