Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

Vehicle body repairers repair damage to the bodywork of cars, trucks and coaches, ranging from scratches, dents and rust to major accident damage. This may involve hammering out dents or filling with body solder or plastic fillers. Vehicle body repairers also fit complete new panels supplied by the vehicle manufacturer.  
 
Sometimes they fabricate part panels and shape sheet metal or plastics on a workbench themselves before welding it into place.  
 
In workshops where spray painting is not a separate job, they also prepare the new or repaired panels as per manufacturer's instructions. They then apply primers such as etch primer, filler primer and surface primers.  
 
The primers are then flattened using a wet or dry flattening system as per manufactures instructions. Paint is mixed as per vehicle paint code. Base coat and lacquer paint are applied and baked to cure. The paint finish is polished if required as per manufacturer's instructions.  
The application of primers, lacquers etc. are carried our in special booths using extractor fans. Personal protection equipment (PPE) must be worn during all aspects of the repair.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• File, grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces, using power tools and hand tools.
• Inspect repaired vehicles for proper functioning, completion of work, dimensional accuracy, and overall appearance of paint job, and test-drive vehicles to ensure proper alignment and handling.
• Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using wrenches and welding equipment, and grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.
• Prime and paint repaired surfaces, using paint sprayguns and motorised sanders.
• Follow supervisors' instructions as to which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take.
• Sand body areas to be painted and cover bumpers, windows, and trim with masking tape or paper to protect them from the paint.
• Chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components.
• Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.
• Cut and tape plastic separating film to outside repair areas to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces during repair procedure and remove tape and wash surfaces after repairs are complete.
• Review damage reports, prepare or review repair cost estimates, and plan work to be performed.

Further Information

• Motor Vehicle Body Repairer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

There are many pathways to develop the skills, experience. and qualifications to progress in vehicle body repair:

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: welding, fabrication, motor maintenance technician, engineering skills.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: motor technology, motor maintenance, pre-apprenticeship.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Vehicle Body Repairs.

Search for Apprenticeships

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal. You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Vehicle Body Repairs Apprenticeship brochure.

Further information is also available from your local Education and Training Board

Please note: To become a vehicle body repairs apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). 

Entry Requirements

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

The minimum educational requirements are:

1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination an approved equivalent, or
2. The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course, or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.

It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Mathematics, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Metalwork, Technology and Physics.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €47k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Solas/ Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians, Vehicle body builders and repairers, Vehicle paint technicians, Aircraft maintenance and related trades, Boat and ship builders and repairers, Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Vehicle technicians and mechanics account for the majority share of employment in this occupation. Employment growth was below average with employment declining marginally since 2022. Employment permits issued in 2023 related mainly to vehicle roadworthiness testers and aircraft mechanics. The large volume of job adverts through the DSP were for vehicle roadworthiness testers along with various mechanics (aircraft, HGV and car). Skills for Growth data highlights issues recruiting HGV mechanics and auto electricians.

The number of apprenticeship awards issued for aircraft mechanics remains small (28 in 2023). Awards for HGV mechanics rose from 78 in 2022 to 115 in 2023; new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 for this role were higher than seen previously at 232 persons. The number of awards for motor mechanics stood at 225 awards in 2023 although new apprenticeship registrations were substantially higher in 2021 and 2022, indicating increases in awards for this trade in the short-to-medium term.

Given the lack of employment growth in this occupation, issues with sourcing HGV mechanics should ease in the short-term with increased numbers undertaking apprenticeships and the recent removal of this occupation from the ineligible list for employment permits (along with bus/car mechanics) subject to a quota of 200 general employment permits. Upskilling/reskilling will be a key requirement for these roles as we move increasingly towards electric vehicles.

• Society of the Irish Motor Industry

  • 5 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 1690
  • [email protected]
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