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Vehicle body repairer

Alternative titles for this job include Panel beater, motor vehicle body repairer

Vehicle body repairers mend damaged vehicle parts and bodywork using metalworking and finishing techniques.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Vehicle Body and Paint Operations
  • Level 2 Diploma in Accident Repair Paint
  • Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Body Principles
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

You can also take broader courses in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can complete an intermediate and advanced apprenticeship in vehicle body and paint.

You can also do an accident and repair, vehicle damage panel technician or vehicle damage paint technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs in body repair if you've got experience and a qualification in motor mechanics or vehicle paint spraying.

More Information

Further information

You can find more details about working in vehicle accident repair from Autocity.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you could:

  • assess damage and decide how to repair it
  • remove damaged panels or parts for repair
  • smooth out minor dents in panels
  • fill small holes or rusted areas with filler
  • make body panels and sections, and weld them into place
  • refinish the repair to match surrounding areas
  • keep a record of all work completed to show customers

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or at a garage.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a lead fitter or technician, or move into supervisory and body-shop management positions in larger firms. You could also work as a vehicle damage assessor for a repair workshop or an insurance firm.

You could also set up your own business and move into mobile repair.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

DAF Vehicle Body Panel Apprenticeship - Portsmouth

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Portsmouth

Volvo Trucks Vehicle Damage Panel/Body Repair Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £17,339.40 a year Annually
  • Location: Lympne Industrial Estate, Lympne
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair - Body

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: NUNEATON

Accident Repair Body & Paint Principles Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 26 September 2025
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

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