Panel Beating Apprenticeships
AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology
Panel beaters are the repair experts of the automotive world. They restore vehicles after accidents or damage, reshaping, replacing, and repairing bodywork so cars look and drive like new. With an AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology, you’ll learn the practical skills to repair, weld, and finish vehicles while building a career in one of Australia’s most essential trades.
Is this Apprenticeship Right for You?
This apprenticeship is ideal if you:
Enjoy hands-on, practical work
Have good attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Like working with metal, tools, and machinery
Are interested in cars, repairs, and restorations
Want a secure and rewarding trade career
What do you do as a Panel Beating Apprentice?
As a Panel Beating Apprentice, you’ll learn how to:
Assess vehicle damage and decide on repair methods
Straighten chassis and frames using specialist equipment
Remove, repair, and replace damaged body panels
Weld, cut, and grind metal to restore vehicles
Apply fillers and primers to prepare surfaces for refinishing
Work under the supervision of qualified panel beaters while completing your training
Why choose a Panel Beating Apprenticeship?
A Panel Beating Apprenticeship is a great pathway into the automotive industry if you enjoy seeing tangible results from your work. Panel beaters are always in demand — from dealerships and crash repair workshops to custom car builders. This trade offers variety, stability, and opportunities to specialise in areas such as custom bodywork, restorations, or management roles. You’ll earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and build a career where your skills will always be needed.
Quick Facts:
What qualification do I need in Australia?
No formal qualifications are needed to begin — just a strong work ethic, an interest in vehicles, and a willingness to learn.
What do you do as a first-year Panel Beating Apprentice?
In your first year, you’ll focus on basic repair tasks, such as removing and fitting panels, sanding and grinding, and learning safe use of welding equipment and workshop tools.
What qualification will I receive?
On completion, you’ll earn the AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology, a nationally recognised trade qualification.
Future opportunities
Once qualified, you can work as a panel beater, collision repair technician, or restoration specialist. With experience, you can move into workshop supervision, estimating, or even open your own repair business.
What will I learn?
As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Determine the nature and extent of damage to a vehicle so it can be expertly repaired.
- Repair, remove or replace damaged panels and sub-structures.
- Return a car to manufacturer’s specifications using specialised tools.
- Use mechanical and hydraulic equipment, and computer alignment programs and processes.
- Use metal welding and modern bonding techniques.
- File, grind and sand panel surfaces.
- Re-fit body hardware such as door locks.
- Realign chassis and body frames.
- Remove and replace a vehicle’s auto-electrical components if damaged.
What skills do I need?
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary but a keen interest in cars and a practical aptitude will help.
An apprenticeship is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need with practical training at work, and extra studies at a Registered Training Organisation.
An apprenticeship will get you started in the industry, and open up the doors to a great career.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entrance requirements to become a Panel Beating Apprentice however you will need to be placed in an apprenticeship to start your training and you should be able to read, write and understand basic mathematical concepts. Successful applicants will be required to complete enrolment documentation. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
What are my training options?
You can do a full-time Panel Beating Apprenticeship, resulting in a Certificate III Vehicle Body Repair qualification. This includes training within a workshop as well as with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). A school-based apprenticeship can also be completed whilst at school (the length of study may vary depending on the school, RTO and workplace arrangements).
Duration of an apprenticeship
This apprenticeship has a nominal duration of 4 years to complete, during which you must be employed in an apprenticeship contract. It is possible to complete the apprenticeship contract sooner if you achieve the necessary competencies before this time.
Career pathways
What next?
How far you go is completely up to you!
Your apprenticeship is the first step. It can get you started on the way to a successful career as a:
- Qualified Panel Beater ($65K – $100K)
- Workshop Manager ($80K – $165K)
- Franchise Owner ($100K – $180K)
- Service Advisor ($85K – $120K)
- Service Manager ($1000K – $165K)
- Sales ($85K – $160K)
- Skills Trainer ($85K – $100K)
- Warranty ($75K – $90K)
- Business Admin ($65K – $90K)
- Engineer ($100K – $190K)
Technology is always changing, creating a higher demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry.
