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Vehicle body repairer
Panel beater, motor vehicle body repairer
Vehicle body repairers mend damaged vehicle parts and bodywork using metalworking and finishing techniques.
Average salary (a year)
£15000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply for jobs in body repair if you've got experience and a qualification in motor mechanics or vehicle paint spraying.
More Information
Further Information
You can find more details about working in vehicle accident repair from Autocity.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in a workshop or at a garage.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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