• Panel Beater Job Description

    A panel beater also known as a panel technician or body repair technician is a person who repairs and replaces body parts of vehicles that have been damaged due to collision or other causes. Panel beaters repair body parts of vehicles mainly by beating out dents.

    A panel beater uses specialist techniques and equipment to beat back the damaged body of a vehicle to its original shape. They should be methodical, practical and able to use a variety of technical tools. They should also be reasonable fit to cope with the physical demands of their job.

  • What does a Panel Beater do?

    Panel beaters may do some or all of the following:

    • operate vehicle measuring and aligning devices
    • assess vehicles, and talk to customers about repairs and cost estimates
    • remove damaged panels, repair or replace them
    • fabricate and weld in replacements of damaged vehicle parts
    • spray paint vehicles
    • supervise and train subordinates
  • Where does a Panel Beater work?
  • Working Conditions

    Panel beaters usually work normal office hours, but may sometimes work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. They work in vehicle body repair workshops.

    Panel beaters may work in environments that are noisy, and contains toxic chemical fumes from paints and related products. They are required to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, hand gloves, respirators, overalls, welding helmets, hearing protections, and boots when working.

  • What is Required to Become a Panel Beater ?

    To become a panel beater, you will need to complete an apprenticeship with a skilled and professional panel beater. An apprenticeship program may take up to 4 years to complete.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Panel beaters need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • diligence
    • promptness
    • carefulness
    • dependability
    • mechanical aptitude
    • manual dexterity
    • normal color vision
    • physical strength and stamina
    • good judgment
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • mathematical skills
    • organizational skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to keep up to date with new technologies in the field
    • the ability to work with hand tools and machines
    • knowledge of vehicle measuring and aligning devices
    • knowledge of welding and welding techniques
    • knowledge of metalwork fundamentals
    • knowledge of spray painting techniques
    • knowledge of vehicle parts and materials such as metals, plastics and fiberglass

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Vehicle Mechanic
  • Locomotive Mechanic
  • Electrician
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
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