Who is a motor vehicle bodybuilder or repairer and what do they do? The motor vehicle bodybuilder or repairer manufactures and repairs the bodywork of motor vehicles as well as their individual parts, and assembles complete vehicle bodies.
What are the activities of the motor vehicle bodybuilder or repairer job? Repairs are done either by hammering out dents in damaged parts or filling them with plastic compounds. Where there is more extensive damage they replace the damaged parts, and fit new doors, bonnets. windscreens, bumpers or panels etc. They may also cut and shape sheet metal and weld or rivet it in place. In some workshops they may also paint the new or repaired areas. It should be noted that body repairs are still more frequently done by replacing the damaged parts with new ones than by repairing the damage.
Where is it done and under what conditions? This job is typically done in repair shops and garages where there may grease, dirt and noise.
What tools/equipment do they use? Certain activities are done using machinery, often on an automated production line, while other activities are done mostly with hand tools and certain machines. The equipment used will vary according to whether the job is to make new parts or repair old ones.
What do you need to succeed? You need ideally a (three-year) vocational course in body repair work (though on-the-job training and apprenticeship is also possible for some jobs), practical skills, ability to concentrate, patience, technical aptitude, spatial imagination and accuracy.