Automotive Body Repairer Career Description
Automotive body repairers, or panel-beaters, as they are known in industry, are responsible for the repair and realignment of the damaged and dented panels of the bodywork of motor vehicles.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The bent framework or bodywork of a damaged vehicle must firstly, with the help of special equipment, be bent back to its original position so that the doors and bonnet fit properly.
Implements that are handled, include files and grinding equipment, dollies, gouges, keys, chisels and clams, electrical equipment like drills, riveting machines and cutters, as well as blowtorches, welding and brazing machines.
In the case of irreparable panels of the bodywork, repairers remove and replace these parts with other panels. Furthermore, they see to it that all the components are properly secured and that the parts, such as window mechanisms, door handles and locks, function well.
Automotive body repairing is often done in the garage itself, but there are a lot of panel beating works that concentrate exclusively on this sort of work.
Panel beating is hard work. It is not expected from the repair workers to handle heavy objects, but the continuous pounding and grinding can be tiring. The noise maybe unpleasant.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Apprentices must be 16 years and older at the commencement of their apprenticeship. Prospective automotive body repairers should possess good spatial and form perception. Good two-hand co-ordination is also needed to handle the dolly. Eye-hand co-ordination is also important.
Apart from these qualities, automotive body repairers must also be physically strong and healthy, because the work requires a fair amount of physical endurance.
Where can I work?
The motor industry is still expanding and this means that there will always be a demand for qualified artisans in this industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Automotive body repairers, who have sufficient capital and experience, may start their own businesses.
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