Panel Beater Apprenticeship

On-the-job training as a Panel Beater Apprentice could see you working in a crash repairer, new or used car dealership, or even with a motor vehicle manufacturer.

A Panel Beating Apprenticeship will prepare you for a job where you will repair damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on vehicles, as well as make and form vehicle panels. 

Depending on the organisation's size where you complete your hands-on training, panel beaters can go on to supervisor and management level positions.

With experience, further training and qualifications there are also opportunities for panel beaters to move into the insurance industry as loss assessors.

The typical length of a Panel Beater Apprenticeship is 3-4 years, combining hand-on, paid work at a host company and the completion of a nationally accredited qualification, AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology.

A panel beater, also known as an auto body technician or collision repair technician, is a skilled professional who specialises in repairing and restoring damaged vehicle bodies.

Their primary responsibility is to repair and reshape damaged panels, frames, and other structural components of vehicles involved in accidents or collisions. 

Typical tasks include:

• Removing damaged panels and components by unbolting or cutting them away
• Filling depressions with plastic filler, and file, grind and sand repaired surfaces using power and hand tools
• Straightening badly damaged vehicles using mechanical and hydraulic equipment to obtain door, boot and bonnet clearances
• Fitting the repaired panel on the framework of the vehicle and refitting body hardware such as door locks and door trims
• Using oxy acetylene and electric welding equipment to cut and join replace sections or damaged panels
• Helping vehicle body builders to build custom designed, specialty or vintage vehicles

Panel beaters play a crucial role in the automotive repair industry by restoring damaged vehicles to their pre-accident condition. Their skills and expertise help ensure that vehicles are structurally sound and safe to drive. 

The skills and aptitude required for a panel beating apprenticeship include the following:

• Enjoy practical and manual work
• Spatial awareness
• Attention to detail
• No skin allergies