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Panelbeater

Panelbeaters repair or replace body parts of cars, trucks or other vehicles that have been damaged.

Tasks & duties

Panelbeaters may do some or all of the following:

talk to customers about the repairs needed
estimate the cost of repairs
align and reshape damaged panels
apply body filler to the panels and sand them back to the original shape
straighten bent frames
weld to repair panels, and to attach metal panels onto vehicles
cut out damaged sections of vehicles and weld in replacements
reshape and smooth damaged panels
repair rust
align and repair body structures after major accidents
repair plastic parts
remove parts of vehicles and refit after repaired
sand and prepare panels and parts for spray painting
spray primer

Skills & knowledge

Panelbeaters need to have:

knowledge of metals and vehicle parts
skills in repairing, fitting and preparing vehicle panels and frames
knowledge of vehicle manufacturers' specifications
ability to read and follow manufacturers' instructions
an understanding of mechanics
basic maths skills
listening skills
communication skills

Entry requirements

To become a panelbeater you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Panelbeating. For further information about apprenticeships contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

Secondary education

Many employers prefer apprentice panelbeaters to have three years of secondary school education. Useful subjects include English, maths and workshop technology.

Students can also take part in a secondary school automotive training programme (Startup) that is run by MITO and provides a pathway fro students into the automotive industry. The programme includes both theory and practical components so students can gain NCEA credits as well as practical work experience. For further information contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).

Tertiary education

It is an advantage to have completed a National Certificate for Entry to Motor Body Trades before beginning an apprenticeship.

Training on the job

Apprentices can go on to complete a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Advanced Technical) Level 5 focusing on collision repair. They can go on to qualify as an Advanced Technician once they gain the National Certificate Level 4. For further information contact the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).