Manufacturers and repairs prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies such as buses, trucks, fire engines and caravans.

Constructs framework sections in metal, wood, fibreglass and other materials using shaping machines and cutting and welding equipment; bolts, screws, rivets and welds sections together to form complete frameworks; cuts and shapes panels of sheetmetal, aluminium and reinforced plastic and attaches to frameworks using hand and power tools; modifies assembly line vehicles to special requirements.

• Works indoors in a coach-building workshop, frequently on ladders on or in vehicle body shells. Work sites are likely to be dirty and noisy, especially when constantly working with steel and sheet-metal components.
• Usually works in large workshop areas that are adequately heated, and adequately ventilated to disperse the heat and other by-products of welding and other sheet-metal working processes.
• Coachbuilders will utilise a variety of personal protective equipment including face masks, eye protection, safety footwear, over-alls and gloves as appropriate.

• The physical demand is medium.
• Standing is constantly required, frequently on concrete floors. Walking is frequently required. Sitting is not required.
• Stretching both up and across on a frequent basis is required as workers weld, bolt, rivet or otherwise join and fit sheet-metal panels or body-parts and structural components in place. Twisting of the body or neck and lifting and carrying is frequently required.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling and bending are occasionally required.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required especially in the use of hands and arms for holding welding, soldering, brazing, riveting or grinding equipment.
• Driving is not required.
• Employees use a wide range of light-engineering hand, power and machine tools and equipment including gas and electric welders, riveting, bending and metal cutting equipment as well as templates for cutting out required shapes.
• Climbing ladders, or working at height on scaffold is occasionally required.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, technical and planning skills.

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

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