Vehicle Body Builders manufacture and repair prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies such as buses, trucks, fire engines and caravans.

Skill Level

3

Alternative Titles

• Vehicle Body Maker

Specialisations

• Coach Builder

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 Vehicle Body Builder 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 Technologyor Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer 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

Manufacture and repair prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, and install, repair and replace the interior trim of vehicles.

Tasks

• Constructing framework sections in metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials using shaping machines and cutting and welding equipment
• Bolting, screwing, riveting and welding sections together to form complete frameworks
• Cutting and shaping panels of sheetmetal, aluminium and reinforced plastic and attaching to frameworks using hand and power tools
• Modifying assembly line vehicles to special requirements
• Preparing new vehicle trim work according to drawings and sketches, and removing old coverings and fittings from vehicles and taking new measurements
• Selecting and cutting pieces of fabric, vinyl and leather and sewing pieces together using heavy-duty sewing machines
• Installing internal trim in vehicles such as lining, floor coverings and armrests
• Attaching door trims, rubber seals, locks and handles

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

• 324211 Vehicle Body Builder
• 324212 Vehicle Trimmer