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Minor Group

324 Panelbeaters, and Vehicle Body Builders, Trimmers and Painters

ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2022

324 Panelbeaters, and Vehicle Body Builders, Trimmers and Painters

Panelbeaters, and Vehicle Body Builders, Trimmers and Painters repair damage to motor vehicle bodies; construct purpose-built vehicle bodies; fit, repair and replace interior trim and upholstery in vehicles; and paint vehicles. Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers are excluded from this minor group.

Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers are included in Minor Group 322 Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

  • removing, replacing and repairing damaged panels and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment
  • filling depressions with plastic filler and chiselling and sanding surfaces
  • constructing framework sections in metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials using stretching and shrinking machines and welding equipment
  • bolting, screwing, riveting and welding sections together to form complete frameworks
  • cutting and shaping panels of sheetmetal, aluminium and reinforced plastic and attaching to frameworks using hand and power tools
  • preparing new vehicle trim work according to drawings and sketches, and removing old coverings and fittings from vehicles and taking new measurements
  • selecting and cutting pieces of fabric, vinyl and leather and sewing pieces together using heavy-duty sewing machines
  • installing and attaching interior lining, floor coverings, armrests, door trims, rubber seals, locks and handles
  • masking areas not to be painted by covering with masking tape and paper
  • selecting and mixing paint shades to match vehicle colour
  • applying primer and finish coats with spray-guns, and sanding surfaces between coats
Unit Group

3241 Panelbeaters

Panelbeaters repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • removing damaged panels and parts, and removing upholstery and accessories to gain access
  • removing dents by hammering panels
  • straightening damaged vehicles and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment
  • replacing badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
  • filling depressions with plastic filler, and filing, grinding and sanding repaired surfaces
  • cutting and joining replacement sections using welding equipment
  • fitting repaired or replacement panels on vehicles and refitting body hardware such as door locks and trims
  • may assist vehicle body builders in constructing and restoring custom-designed, vintage and other specialty vehicles
  • may spray-paint vehicles

Occupation:

  • 324111 Panelbeater

324111 Panelbeater

Alternative Title:

  • Collision Repairer

Repairs damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles and forms replacement vehicle panels. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 3

Unit Group

3242 Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers

Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers manufacture and repair prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, and install, repair and replace the interior trim of vehicles.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • constructing framework sections in metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials using shaping machines and cutting and welding equipment
  • bolting, screwing, riveting and welding sections together to form complete frameworks
  • cutting and shaping panels of sheetmetal, aluminium and reinforced plastic and attaching to frameworks using hand and power tools
  • modifying assembly line vehicles to special requirements
  • preparing new vehicle trim work according to drawings and sketches, and removing old coverings and fittings from vehicles and taking new measurements
  • selecting and cutting pieces of fabric, vinyl and leather and sewing pieces together using heavy-duty sewing machines
  • installing internal trim in vehicles such as lining, floor coverings and armrests
  • attaching door trims, rubber seals, locks and handles

Occupations:

  • 324211 Vehicle Body Builder
  • 324212 Vehicle Trimmer

324211 Vehicle Body Builder

Alternative Title:

  • Vehicle Body Maker

Manufactures and repairs prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies such as buses, trucks, fire engines and caravans. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

  • Coach Builder

324212 Vehicle Trimmer

Installs, repairs and replaces the interior trim of vehicles such as seats, linings, floor coverings and door trims. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

  • Vehicle Upholsterer
Unit Group

3243 Vehicle Painters

Vehicle Painters prepare surfaces of vehicles, match and mix colours and apply paint.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • removing rough spots on vehicle panels
  • sanding surfaces by hand and with power sanders
  • masking areas not to be painted with tape and paper
  • colour matching and mixing paints to match paint shades, and selecting pre-mixed paint
  • applying primer and finishing coats using spray-guns, and sanding surfaces between coats
  • touching up paintwork and applying polish to vehicles
  • removing masking papers, and waxing and polishing finished paintwork
  • painting signs and artwork on vehicles
  • treating vehicles with rust-proofing chemicals

Occupation:

  • 324311 Vehicle Painter

324311 Vehicle Painter

Alternative Title:

  • Vehicle Refinisher

Prepares surfaces of vehicles, matches and mixes colours and applies paint. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 3