Repairs damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles and forms replacement vehicle panels.

Removes damaged panels and parts, and removes upholstery and accessories to gain access; removes dents by hammering panels; straightens damaged vehicles and parts using mechanical and hydraulic equipment; replaces badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels; fills depressions with plastic filler, and files, grinds and sands repaired surfaces; cuts and joins replacement sections using welding equipment; fits repaired or replacement sections using welding equipment and refits body hardware such as door locks and trims; may assist vehicle body builders in constructing and restoring customer-designed, vintage and other speciality vehicles; may spray-paint vehicles.

• Works indoors in an auto panel and (perhaps) paint workshop, on vehicle bodies.
• Work spaces need good ventilation to disperse gases and other by-products of welding and other metal-working processes.
• Worksites may be dirty, dusty and noisy, especially when constantly working with sheet-metal and fibreglass. Panel-beaters use a variety of personal protective equipment including face masks, eye protection and safety footwear.

• Physical demand is medium to heavy.
• Standing is constantly required, frequently on concrete floors. Walking about the workshop is required as employees move equipment and supplies and perform their duties. Sitting is not required.
• Stretching up, across and under is frequently required. Squatting, crouching or kneeling is occasionally required. Twisting of the body or neck, bending, and lifting and carrying engineering materials and equipment are frequently required in carrying out many typical work tasks.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required especially in the use of hands and arms for holding welding, cutting or other jointing equipment or when sanding surfaces preparatory to painting.
• Driving is not a significant requirement but may be necessary for organising vehicles and testing repairs.
• Use light-engineering hand, power and machine tools and equipment. ]
• Mental skills include metal-handling, practical and problem-solving.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some cases relevant experience and/or on-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-job training may be sufficient. Registration may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.