Vehicle Body Builder

be the driving force behind creating and shaping the vehicles of tomorrow.

As a Vehicle Body Builder, you’ll be the driving force behind creating and shaping the vehicles of tomorrow. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills and fabricate a successful career in the manufacturing industry. If you’re ready to steer your passion for cars in a new direction, it’s time to buckle up and build your future in vehicle body construction.

Vehicle Body Builders play a crucial role in the automotive industry, specialising in the construction, repair, and modification of vehicle bodies and frames. They work with a variety of materials, including metal, fiberglass, and composites, to create custom designs or repair damaged vehicles. Their expertise contributes significantly to vehicle safety, aesthetics, and functionality.

These skilled professionals use a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology in their work. They operate sophisticated equipment such as welding machines, hydraulic presses, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to bring vehicle designs to life. Vehicle Body builders must possess a strong understanding of automotive engineering principles, material properties, and safety regulations to ensure their creations meet industry standards.

In a typical day, a vehicle body builder might draft design plans, cut and shape materials, assemble body panels, install interior components, and perform quality checks. They often collaborate with other automotive professionals, such as mechanics and painters, to complete comprehensive vehicle builds or restorations. Their work ranges from repairing collision damage on standard vehicles to creating entirely custom bodies for specialty or high-performance vehicles.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Design and fabricate custom vehicle bodies and frames
  2. Repair and restore damaged vehicle structures
  3. Modify existing vehicle bodies for improved performance or aesthetics
  4. Interpret technical drawings and specifications
  5. Operate and maintain specialised automotive fabrication equipment

While formal qualifications are not always mandatory to start in this field, many employers prefer candidates with relevant training or experience. Employers are often looking for job seekers to take on a formal apprenticeship. Here are steps you can take to become a Vehicle Body Builder:

  1. Complete high school with a focus on subjects like mathematics and engineering.
  2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) for an introduction to manufacturing and engineering.
  3. Research different apprenticeships including Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218), Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922), and Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding) (MEM31922).
  4. Look for opportunities promoted by employers online. Even if there are no jobs advertised but you have an interest in working with the employer, send through a letter and your resume expressing your interest to work in the industry
Also Known As:
  • Automotive Body Fabricator
  • Custom Vehicle Builder
  • Truck, Trailer Body Builder
  • Coach builder
  • Truck Body Builder
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a vehicle body builder include:

  • Blueprint interpretation
  • Precision
  • Problem solving
  • Safety awareness
  • Technical knowledge
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a vehicle body builder include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Creative
  • Patience
  • Diligent
  • Safety-conscious
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Furnishing Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Engineering Skills
  • Essential English

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Vehicle Body Builder can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$50,000
Median
$65,000
High
$85,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment in the industry. You can undertake the following qualifications as apprenticeships:

  • Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking / welding) (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking) (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding) (MEM31922)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

You may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

For career advancement or specialisation:

  • Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119)
  • Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade (MEM50105)

While a university degree is not typically required for Vehicle Body Builders, higher education can open doors to management roles or specialised positions within the industry. Relevant degree programs might include:

  • Bachelor of Engineering (majoring in Manufacturing or other area of specialisation)
  • Bachelor of Applied Technology (Automotive Manufacturing)

These programs provide comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials science, and production management. Skills gained through these degrees can be valuable for those aiming for roles in production planning, quality assurance management, or research and development within the manufacturing industry. The analytical and project management skills developed in these programs can also be beneficial for those looking to advance to leadership positions or start their own manufacturing business.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

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