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Autobody Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship as an Autobody Technician is an exciting career for those passionate about cars, problem-solving, and hands-on work. This dynamic field offers a constantly evolving path, with new vehicle models, advanced repair techniques, and the latest tools to restore, repair, and rebuild vehicles. Each day presents fresh challenges, making it a rewarding and varied profession.

The role is known by several names, including Autobody Repair Technician, Panel Beater, or Automotive Body Repair Technician, but they all focus on similar tasks centered around vehicle restoration and repair.

As an Apprentice Panel Beater, you’ll build your expertise in vehicle body repair and restoration. Keep reading to learn more!

What You Will Learn & Do

As an apprentice panel beater, you’ll gain hands-on experience and training to become proficient in vehicle body repair and refinishing. Your skills will develop progressively as you work alongside experienced tradesmen. Here’s what you can expect:

Vehicle Inspection & Panel Removal:

Inspect vehicles for damage and remove damaged panels, headlights, trims as per the job sheet.
Assess the condition of panels, including rust and dents, to determine the best course of action.

Panel Repair & Replacement:

Work with a variety of materials including, high tension steel, aluminium, plastic, and fibre glass
Use a variety of tools and techniques to repair or shape panels: Hammer & Dolly, Paintless dent removal, Glue pulling, Weld pulling
Replace damaged panels with new ones, ensuring a perfect fit and finish
Cut and join sections of vehicle using various welding methods: oxy-acetylene and arc welding, mig and tig welding
Chassis and vehicle body alignment & structural repairs for severely damaged vehicles
Installing decals and vehicle badges on panels for a professional finish.

Dent & Rust Repair:

Fill minor dents and imperfections with compound, then grind, shape and sand the surface for a smooth finish.
For rusted panels, assess the extent of damage, cut out rust, shape & mold new metal panels to match the area and weld in place.

Customisation:

Install and fit custom Body kits
Roll out wheel arches to fit custom tyres or rims.
Create and shape panels for custom vehicles, restoring classic cars or design unique builds.

Final Assembly:

After the car is spray painted, you will need to reassemble and refit locks, trims, and panels back onto the vehicle, ensuring all panels align and windows, doors & handles fit securely and work properly.

Safety and Precision:

Adhere to industry safety standards when handling tools, chemicals, and equipment.
Wear protective gear such as steel-capped boots, face masks or gloves, depending on the task.

Expected Salary as a Panel Beater

As an Apprentice, you’ll work towards the nationally recognised Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology, gaining the skills required to become a fully qualified panel beater.

One of the great things about an apprenticeship is that you’ll be paid while you learn—both in the workshop and during your time at TAFE. Your employer will also cover your TAFE fees, meaning you’ll earn money while you develop valuable skills.

Once qualified and after gaining experience, panel beaters can typically earn between $80,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on skill level, experience, and the type of work involved. SEEK is a great resource to explore job listings and salary insights. If a job posting doesn’t mention the salary, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the employer for clarification.

Career Pathways

Completing a Panel Beating Apprenticeship opens multiple doors to a range of opportunities:

Qualified Panel Beater

Work on a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to specialty vehicles, including commercial or military vehicles.

Vehicle Restoration or Customisation

Focus on restoring classic cars, high-end imports, or creating custom modifications.

Career Progression

As you gain experience, you can move into supervisory roles like Workshop Manager or Foreman. Alternatively, you can branch out into estimating, becoming an Autobody Estimator where you’ll assess vehicle damage and prepare quotes. If you’re ambitious, you could even open and run your own panel shop one day!

What You Need to Succeed

To succeed as a panel beater apprentice, it’s important to have the right attitude and mindset. Here’s what we’re looking for:

Passion for Cars

A genuine interest in car repair and the automotive industry will keep you motivated. The apprenticeship journey is hands-on and challenging. Your passion will help you stay focused and motivated to gain your trade qualification.

Manual Dexterity

You will learn to hone in on your fine motor skills such as gripping, manipulating, and controlling small objects, which are essential in using tools effectively and performing detailed work with accuracy.

Attention to Detail

Precision is key in panel beating. Whether you’re shaping a panel or aligning parts and their gapping, attention to detail ensures high-quality results.

Problem-Solving & Creativity

As you progress in your apprenticeship, you’ll apply your problem-solving skills to determine the correct sequence of parts, bolts, and clips, as well as select the best tools and techniques for each task. Experienced tradesmen will guide you, helping you become increasingly resourceful and independent as you gain hands-on experience.

Learn & make mistakes

Be open to receive guidance and patient with the learning process. Understand that mistakes are a natural part of growth, and approach feedback with positivity and a willingness to improve.

How to Get Started

If you think you have the right qualities and are ready for a rewarding challenge, take the first step towards an exciting career in Panel Beating!

Whether you’re looking to get a feel for the job through work experience or are ready to start your apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you. Just send us an email at accounts@dynamicautobody.com.au and let us know what you’re looking for.

Get Started