Vehicle body repairer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Vehicle Body and Paint Operations
• Level 2 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint
• Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Body Principles
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

You can also take broader courses in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can complete an intermediate and advanced apprenticeship in vehicle body and paint.

You can also do an accident and repair, vehicle damage panel technician or vehicle damage paint technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs in body repair if you've got experience and a qualification in motor mechanics or vehicle paint spraying.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• customer service skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Vehicle body repairers mend damaged vehicle parts and bodywork using metalworking and finishing techniques.

On a typical day you could:

• assess damage and decide how to repair it
• remove damaged panels or parts for repair
• smooth out minor dents in panels
• fill small holes or rusted areas with filler
• make body panels and sections, and weld them into place
• refinish the repair to match surrounding areas
• keep a record of all work completed to show customers

Location : You could work in a workshop or at a garage.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a lead fitter or technician, or move into supervisory and body-shop management positions in larger firms. You could also work as a vehicle damage assessor for a repair workshop or an insurance firm.

You could also set up your own business and move into mobile repair.