Panelbeaters repair damage to metal, fibreglass, and plastic body work on vehicles, and from replacement vehicle panels.

Skill Level

3

Alternative Titles

• Collision Repairer

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Panelbeater is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must have successfully completed an AQF Qualification either a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology or formal training that is comparable
• Must possess skills that are current to Australian industry standards demonstrated by 12 months full time employment or equivalent part-time in the occupation in the previous three years
• If you have obtained a qualification internationally or an Australian qualification that was not through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full time or equivalent post-qualification experience
• If you have obtained an Australian qualification issued through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full-time or equivalent post-qualification experience OR 6 years full-time or equivalent experience which can be either pre- or post-qualification

Repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels.

Tasks

• Removing damaged panels and parts, and removing upholstery and accessories to gain access
• Removing dents by hammering panels
• Straightening damaged vehicles and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment
• Replacing badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
• Filling depressions with plastic filler, and filing, grinding and sanding repaired surfaces
• Cutting and joining replacement sections using welding equipment
• Fitting repaired or replacement panels on vehicles and refitting body hardware such as door locks and trims
• May assist vehicle body builders in constructing and restoring custom-designed, vintage and other specialty vehicles
• May spray-paint vehicles

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 324111 Panelbeater