Vehicle body repairer jobs

Repairers of automobile bodies, also known as panel beaters or body repair professionals, are experts in all areas of repairing and replacing damaged automobile bodies, including chassis alignment procedures and the installation of replacement body panels.

The Work Being Done

It's possible that:

assessing the state of the damaged panel or component and selecting whether or not to have it repaired or replaced.

eliminating, filling up, or smoothing off any dents, scratches, or other imperfections.

uninstalling and installing new panels in the event that the damaged ones cannot be repaired

constructing new facades out of metal sheets

If the chassis (also known as the frame) of the vehicle is broken or bent in any way, specific equipment must be used to straighten it out.

reattaching the panel to the car with both manual and powered instruments for welding and soldering.

cleaning up the area that was repaired in preparation for refinishing

maintaining a record of the work that has been completed in order to provide it to the client.

You could choose to specialize in:

Repairer of light vehicle bodies, including but not limited to automobiles, vans, and motorcycles

Heavy vehicle body repairer: someone who works on tractors, semis, buses, coaches, and even railway cars.

Pay

The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The actual pay rates may vary based on the following factors:

where you make a living

the magnitude of the business or organization that you are employed by

the level of competition for the job.

There is a possibility that starting pay will be based on the national minimum wage (NMW). Those who are under the age of 19 or who are 19 or older but are still in the first year of their apprenticeship are eligible to receive the apprentice rate of £4.81 per hour (1 April 2022). Apprentices might make anything from £7,400 to £13,000 per year, on average.

An annual salary of around £20,000 is possible for a competent automobile body repairer. You may bring this number up by working overtime and receiving incentives. Professionals in the automotive industry with more expertise may make up to around £40,000 per year.

Conditions

You will be working in a body repair workshop, which may be quite noisy, and there may also be paint fumes and dust in the air.

You will be required to wear safety clothes and may be required to work in awkward or unpleasant postures.

It is possible that you may have to carry large pieces either by hand or with the assistance of lifting equipment.

You may expect to put in close to 40 hours each week, with occasional opportunities for overtime.

You would typically work from Monday through Friday, but there is a possibility that you would be required to put in extra hours on nights and weekends.

Getting In

The majority of newcomers begin their careers by completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Vehicle Body and Paint.

The majority of firms need at least a National 4 level education in English, Mathematics, and a scientific or technology topic.

You may spend years three through six (S3-S6) working for a Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive (SCQF Level 4), which would prepare you for a Modern Apprenticeship in the field.

A test of your aptitude is often required before you can enroll.

Some applicants begin their careers by attending college full time, and then they go on to pursue an apprenticeship.

While continuing to work full-time, it is possible to attend college on a day-release basis.

You need to be physically active since you may have to lift big components and work in situations that are congested and unpleasant.

What are the Prerequisites?

You are required to have:

skilled in the use of one's hands

attention to detail

precise and meticulous

capable of obeying directions precisely (written and verbal)

cautious towards risks

capable of working well under time constraints and meeting commitments

capable of working both alone and together with others.

Training

The period of time spent learning new skills during a Modern Apprenticeship is typically three years. You would attend a training center or college on either a day release or a block release basis.

You would get a qualification in SVQ Vehicle Body Repair and Alignment at the SCQF Level 6 level.

You have the option of working for the IMI Accreditation for Cosmetic Repair or the IMI Accreditation for Panel. In order to do this, you will need to take both practical examinations and online knowledge assessments. Technician and Senior Technician are the two employment titles that may be held inside the IMI Accreditation Panel at any one time. PDR Technician, Technician, and Senior Technician are the three different levels that make up IMI Accreditation Cosmetic Repair.

You will need to stay current on the many new materials that are being used by automobile makers.

Getting a Grip

After gaining sufficient experience, you will have the potential to advance your career to that of a senior technician, supervisor, or manager.

You can decide to enroll in a training program or start your own business.