Interested in becoming a panel beater? There are a number of ways to get started in the industry. Here’s our lowdown.

Your friendly panel beater has usually completed a trade certificate, plus years of work experience. Many start out their career as an apprentice, combining work and study, before they go on to open their own business.

Apprenticeships

If you’re interested in becoming a panel beater, you’ll need to complete a trade apprenticeship in automotive vehicle body repairs. This usually involves a combination of work and study – on and off the job. The off-the-job training is provided through a registered training organization such as TAFE.

Apprenticeships generally take four years. The first three years involves on-the-job training mixed with schooling at a trade school or TAFE. By the fourth year, an apprentice is usually receiving on the job training alone. So an apprentice panel beater needs a job in a smash repair business with an employer who is willing to complement their training during this final year.

Professional memberships

Once qualified, it pays to become a member of a relevant professional organization. The Australian Motor Body Repairers’ Association (AMBRA) is the national body for the specialist motor trade dedicated to the repair and restoration of motor vehicles.

Required certification varies from state to state. For example, in NSW, panel beaters must be certified by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority (MVRIA).

The MVRIA oversees:

• The licensing of motor vehicle repairer businesses;
• The certification of trades people working in repair businesses;
• The promotion of improvements in the standard of motor vehicle repair work and the settlement of disputes between motor vehicle owners and repairers.

Most states will have an authority similar to the MVRIA. Check with the relevant organization in your state for registration requirements.

On the job training

Occasionally a panel beater may have a fair amount of work experience, but no formal training. In this case, getting qualifications will involve submitting an application detailing your skills and experience.

Additional skills

Professional panel beaters can undertake additional training to attain skills, even if they are not directly related to panel beating. These can include book-keeping, marketing or business management skills.

Summary

• Gaining a qualification as a panel beater will usually take four years of on the job training as an apprentice combined with attendance at TAFE or a trade school.
• Registration with a professional organization is advisable.

If you are interested in becoming a panel beater, contact a local panel beating workshop about apprenticeship opportunities and research relevant courses offered by training organisations in your area.