Vehicle body builders and repairers

Description

Vehicle body builders and repairers 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

Educational 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.