Automotive Body Repair
Panel Beaters are currently on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Panel beaters undertake a very wide range of tasks and have a very diverse skill set. They can repair minor dents and scratches, right through to a full rebuild of exterior panels.
Another really interesting aspect of a panel beaters job is classical car restoration and customisation. This aspect of the job can allow you to explore a more creative side of the trade industry and come up with your own plans and concepts using a wide range of materials.
Students who undertake training in this field will obtain numerous skills to utilise within the automotive repair industry including:
- Carry out fabrication of components.
- Carry out gas metal arc welding procedures.
- Remove and replace mechanical units and assemblies.
- Carry out paint-less dent repairs.
- Carry out panel repairs.
- Conduct major sectional repairs.
- Determine vehicle damage and recommended repair procedures.
- Fabricate composite material components.
- Fabricate vehicle body panels and components.
- Install vehicle components.
Common Course Requirements
Must have graduated year 10 in home country.
Must have a minimum of IELTS 5.5 overall.
Graduate Outcome
- Panel beaters earn an average of $1280.00 per week.
- The average hours worked in Australia are 43 hours per week.
- Employment for this occupation remained constant over the past five years and is expected to remain the same in the future
- Panel beaters have a high proportion of full-time jobs (89 per cent).
- Panel beaters can work independently as a sub contractor or as part of a larger automotive company.
Higher Education Opportunities:
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
Price (per year)
Duration
Location
Intake
Related Courses
– Diesel Mechanic
– Automotive Electrician
– Light Vehicle Mechanical
Temporary Graduate Visa
If undertaking study in this course in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa.This visa allows the holder 1.5 years unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.
If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people to have their skills assessed without having the experience. Once the student receives a positive skills assessment they may be eligible to apply for permanent work visas such as State Sponsored and General Skilled Migration Visas.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.
Education Pathways
Panel Beater (324111) – Is currently on the Skilled Occupations List.
The skills assessment for Panel Beaters is delivered through – Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).
The qualification required to obtain a positive skills assessment as a panel beater is the Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair.
If you undertake this course and participate in the job ready program you may even be able to do this without being sponsored by an employer and you may not need to live in a regional area.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Step 1: Study a course or package of courses
Study a course or package of courses that goes for at least 2 years and includes the Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair.
Step 2: Receive the Temporary Graduate Visa
By studying for 2 years and undertaking a 360 hours vocational placement during your studies (most education providers will arrange this for you), you may be eligible to apply for and receive the Temporary Graduate Visa. The graduate visa is a work visa that allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months. For more information on the Graduate Visa, click here.
Step 3: Participate in the Job Ready Program
The main benefit of the JRP is that on completion you will be provided with a positive skills assessment for general migration purposes. On this program, you must work for at least 12 months as a qualified Panel Beater
Your employer will not need to sponsor your visa, as you will already be on the graduate visa. This will mean that you have a much higher chance of finding employment as it is very easy for the employer to hire you. You may find this video on the Job Ready Program helpful.
Step 4: Apply for a General Skilled Migration Visas
Once you have completed the Job Ready Program as a Panel Beater you will receive a positive skills assessment. Once you have the positive skills assessment you may be able to apply for general skilled migration visas. If eligible, the general skilled migration visas (Skilled Independent Subclass 189, State Nominated Subclass 190 or Regional Nominated Subclass 491) do not require you to have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa. Please note that you will still be required to pass the points test and health checks to apply for this visa.
Why Use Pathway to Aus?
Pathway to Aus has assisted thousands of student’s study or migrate to Australia. We are here to support you throughout your journey and make the transition as easy and smooth as possible. Our experienced team of Education and Migration agents are ready to work with you to help you achieve your education and migration goals.
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Interviews with Our Students
Feel free to check these interviews with some of our students.
Chris
South Africa
Cert III in Bricklaying
After Chris traveled to Australia on a vacation, he fell in love with the country and decided to pursue his dream to become a bricklayer in Australia.
William
Sweden
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William is studying Associate Degree of Civil Engineering at TAFE QLD in Brisbane. He's building up his work experience and will apply for a permanent visa to Australia.
Denise
Germany
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Denise came to Australia several times when she was younger and fell in love with the country. She decided to apply for a student visa and started her course at the Southbank campus of TAFE Queensland.
Raphael
France
Certificate III in Joinery
In late 2017 he decided to study joinery in Australia. He has now finished his course and has just had his temporary graduate work visa approved (subclass 485).
Louis
India
Automotive
After finishing high school, Louis decided to Automotive Mechanical at a college on The Gold Coast. After completing this course he obtained the Temporary Graduate Work Visa.Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do as a Panel Beater?
Panel Beaters repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels. A typical day as a Panel Beater could include the following:
- removing damaged panels and parts, and removing upholstery and accessories to gain access
- removing dents by hammering panels
- straightening damaged vehicles and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment
- replacing badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
- filling depressions with plastic filler, and filing, grinding and sanding repaired surfaces
- cutting and joining replacement sections using welding equipment
- fitting repaired or replacement panels on vehicles and refitting body hardware such as door locks and trims
- may assist vehicle body builders in constructing and restoring custom-designed, vintage and other specialty vehicles
- may spray-paint vehicles
Where can I study to be a Panel Beater in Australia?
You can study to be a Panel Beater in Brisbane & Sydney
Can foreigners do a Panel Beating apprenticeship in Australia?
International students can’t do a Panel Beating apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 24-month vocational course to become a qualified Panel Beating. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students
How much does a Panel Beater get paid?
As per Job Outlook, a qualified Panel Beater earns $1,280 a week, on average
What qualifications do I need to be a Panel Beater?
To be a qualified Panel Beater in Australia you need to have successfully completed a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
How much is a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology course?
Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology courses cost $18,000 – $20,000 per year. Prices vary depending on the study location.
How long does it take to become a qualified Panel Beater?
It takes 12-24 months to complete the Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology. Durations vary depending on the study location.
What is the study timetable like for Panel Beater course?
The timetable when studying to become a Panel Beater will usually require you to be on campus for 15-20 hours per week, over 2-3 days.
Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country?
These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries, specifically European or North American countries, accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always advise you check specifically with your home country.
What do equipment do I need to work as a panel beater in Australia?
Some of the most common tools that you’ll use as a panel beater in Australia include:
- Panel Beating Hammers
- Cross-Pein Hammers
- Pick Hammers
- Shrinking Hammers
- Dollies
- Spoons
- Heavy Roughing Hammers
- Dead Blow Hammer
- Slappers/Spring Hammers
- Bumping File
- Body File
Are Panel Beater’s in demand in Australia?
As per Job Outlook, 89% of Panel Beaters work full time and employers find it difficult to fill vacancies for Panel Beaters. The occupation of Panel Beater is also on Australia’s Medium and Long Term Skills Shortage List (MLTSSL).
How do I get started?
If you complete this questionnaire we’ll be able to send you some detailed information on the course and explain what documents you’ll need for enrolment
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In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
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