The UK Automotive industry employs around 814,000 people across Britain, and the sector offers a wide range of exciting and varied career opportunities. If you live and breathe cars, and have a good eye for detail, you might find that a career as a Vehicle Body Repairer could be extremely rewarding.
Vehicle Body Repairers (or Auto Body Technicians, as it is sometimes known as) mend damaged vehicle parts or bodywork after they have been involved in an accident or incident. This could involve removing dents, repairing scratches, fitting new doors, bonnets and windscreens, and replacing body panels. Basically, helping to make the vehicle look as good as new!
So, if you have a passion for restoring vehicles to their former glory, this could be right up your street.
Is it for me?
It takes a specific type of person to perform this role; with personal skills and qualities including:
- Being good with your hands
- Having the ability to work methodically
- Attention to detail
- Good teamwork and communication skills
The perfect Vehicle Body Repairer can look at a vehicle and work out what it will take to repair it, and how much that is likely to cost.
With standards and practises often changing, you’ll need to be keen to learn and keep your knowledge and skills up to date with additional education or training as required.
A relatively good level of fitness and mobility is also required, as there is plenty of work involving bending, lifting and lying underneath vehicles.
How do I get started?
Do you think that you fit the bill? You could start your career as a Vehicle Body Repairer through an apprenticeship scheme. Entry requirements for this can vary, depending on the organisation involved. Normally you’ll need GCSE’s (A-C or equivalent) in Maths and English, and sometimes in Design & Technology and a Science subject.
If you do not have GCSE’s, you could consider studying for specialist vehicle maintenance and repair qualifications
Although previous studies and/or qualifications are preferred, some organisations will consider providing on-the-job training or day-release college courses for suitable candidates.
What could I earn?
According to direct.gov.uk, the average salary for this role in the UK can vary from £15,000 to £30,000, depending on experience.
After gaining experience, you could also consider setting up your own business in the future as a mobile, self-employed Vehicle Body Repairer.
It’s an exciting time to work in the UK Automotive industry. Data from the UK’s leading independent job site, CV-Library has found that Automotive is one of the top ten industries to find a new job in 2017, with interest in this sector having increased by 28%.
So, don’t wait!
For more information on apprenticeships, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
References:
Retrieved from www.smmt.co.uk. (2016). UK Automotive Skills and Careers. Available: https://www.smmt.co.uk/industry-topics/uk-automotive/skills-and-careers/. Last accessed 02/05/2017.
Retrieved from www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. (2017). Vehicle body repairer. Available: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/vehicle-body-repairer. Last accessed 02/05/2017.
Retrieved from www.onrec.com. (2017). The top 10 industries to find a job in 2017 revealed. Available: http://www.onrec.com/news/news-archive/the-top-10-industries-to-find-a-job-in-2017-revealed. Last accessed 02/05/2017.
Retrieved from www.snagajob.com. (2010). Auto Body Technician Job Description. Available: http://www.snagajob.com/job-descriptions/auto-body-technician/. Last accessed 02/05/2017.