When cars, vans, motorcycles and larger vehicles are damaged in accidents, they are taken to a body repair workshop. Some repairers will complete the process from start to finish and others will have specialised roles and work on one part of the repair process. Panel technicians, also known as panel beaters or body repair technicians, specialise in repairing or replacing damaged panels. Duties may include:
As a panel technician you will need to demonstrate:
You will need to have a good understanding of vehicle body and repair operations; you will be expected to be trained in body and paint operations in refinishing at level 2 for this level of work. You will need to have a good understanding of automotive systems and the specific materials required for a variety of repairs.
Once working as a Panel Technician you can complete your Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), this shows your current competence and is valid for three years. Find out more at ATA Panel.
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Body Repair Principles (VRQ)
L2 Diploma in Body Building Principles
Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.
You will normally work from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; however, you may be able to work overtime in the evenings and at weekends. You will usually work indoors in workshops or bodyshops and you will be expected to wear safety clothing when using specialised equipment and carrying out tasks such as welding.
Salary:
There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.
There are several ways of starting your career as a trainee panel technician:
You may be considered for this job via an apprentice/traineeship scheme. Apprentice/traineeship schemes may vary from employer to employer but they will typically work towards an N/SVQ and will be on-the-job training. To do this you may require GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths, Science and IT or appropriate equivalents. For further information on apprentice/traineeships in England please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, for Wales please visit www.careerswales.com for Northern Ireland please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers and for Scotland please visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Vehicle Body and Paint (Intermediate- Panel Technician) As an apprentice, you’ll have the choice to focus on mechanical, electrical and trim body fitting; body repair; or body finishing. Mechanical, electrical and trim technicians repair moving parts and electronics.