Motor vehicle body repairer

You would fix and replace broken parts in all type of vehicles so they work and are safe for people to use, potentially including hybrid and electric vehicles.

You would inspect the damage to see how bad it is and decide on the best way to do the repairs.

Depending on the problem, you might:

• Remove damaged panels or parts to repair at a workbench
• Smooth out minor dents in panels with a ‘dolly’ hammer and other tools
• Fill small holes or rusted areas with resin, body solder and other compound fillers
• Fit new panels where the damage is too bad to be repaired
• Build body panels from sheet metal before welding them into place

Once you have fixed the damaged parts, you would refinish the surfaces.

You would:

• Remove old paintwork, sealant and rust using a wire wheel attached to a drill or grinder
• Clean the repair area and mask off other parts to be left alone
• Match the colour, and then prime and paint-spray the repair area
• Seal and wax the area

You would keep a record of the work to give to the customer when they come to collect their vehicle. You’d need to work carefully and follow health and safety regulations.

To work with hybrid and electric vehicles, you may require a wider range of skills and knowledge due to the additional health and safety hazards.