Vehicle body repairer
Manufacturing

Related videos on a vehicle body repairer

How to become a vehicle body repairer

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You can do a Level 2 Certificate in Vehicle Body and Paint Operations. You can also take a broader course in vehicle maintenance and repair.

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 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.

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

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 info

Further information You can find more details about working in vehicle accident repair from Autocity.

What it takes

Skills & 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• assessing damage and deciding how to repair it
• removing damaged panels or parts for repair
• smoothing out minor dents in panels
• filling small holes or rusted areas with filler
• making body panels and sections, and welding them into place
• refinishing the repair to match surrounding areas
• keeping a record of all work completed to show customers

Working environment

You could work in a workshop. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

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.