Vehicle Body Builders & Repairers

Job holders in this unit group construct and repair the bodies of road vehicles, and fit interior and exterior fittings to vehicle bodies.

Tasks

  • Diagnoses job requirements or ascertains work specifications from drawings or instructions
  • Selects, cuts, shapes and assembles materials to form parts of vehicle underframe, framework and body
  • Repairs damage to chassis and engine mountings using hydraulic rams, jacks and jigs
  • Hammers out dents in bodywork, fills in small depressions or corroded areas in solder, plastic or other filler compound and replaces body panels using hand and power tools
  • Installs and repairs interior fittings including seats, seatbelts and fascia in cars, sinks and special features in caravans and mobile shops
  • Positions, secures and repairs external fittings including windows, doors, door handles, catches and roof attachments.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 are also available and take between three to four years to complete. Off- and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs at Levels 2 and 3 are available.

What could I earn?

Salaries for this occupation tend to start at £26,000 per annum and can progress up to £34,000 per annum.

Is it in growth or decline?

There are currently 2,394 employed Vehicle Body Builders & Repairers in the region.