The Role
A Panel Beater is responsible for repairing and restoring the bodywork of vehicles to their original condition after damage from accidents, weather, or wear and tear. This includes removing dents, replacing panels, welding, and refinishing surfaces in preparation for painting.
Duties:
- Assess vehicle damage and determine repair requirements.
- Remove damaged panels and repair or replace them using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Use welding equipment, body fillers, and metalworking tools.
- Reshape and smooth damaged areas to match the original contours.
- Refit body hardware (door locks, handles, window mechanisms, etc.).
- Sand, prime, and prepare surfaces for painting.
- Ensure all repairs meet manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
- Collaborate with spray painters and mechanics as needed.
- Provide excellent customer service and communicate repair progress when required
Skills and Experience
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12
- Panel beater certification
- 2-3 years’ experience in the automotive industry
- Experience with both modern and older vehicle models.
- Familiarity with panel beating machinery and diagnostic tools
Required Knowledge:
- Knowledge of vehicle body repair methods, panel replacement and dent removal techniques.
- Understanding of welding, sanding, grinding, filling, priming and surface preparation processes.
- Knowledge of automotive body structures, vehicle panels, body hardware and alignment requirements.
- Awareness of manufacturer specifications, repair standards and occupational health and safety requirements.
- Basic knowledge of workshop tools, equipment, materials and safe handling procedures.
Required Skills:
- Ability to assess vehicle damage and determine suitable repair methods.
- Skilled in using hand tools, power tools, welding equipment and panel beating machinery.
- Strong metalworking, shaping, sanding and surface preparation skills.
- Ability to read, interpret and follow repair instructions, job cards and technical specifications.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with workshop teams.
Other
Required Competencies:
- Attention to detail and quality orientation.
- Problem-solving and practical decision-making.
- Safety consciousness and adherence to workshop procedures.
- Reliability, accountability and time management.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
Job Reference: RTT77469
