Vehicle damage panel technician

Motor vehicle chassis and body alignment, e.g. underbody measurement and its impact on suspension and steering geometry

Vehicle body types, panel identification, safety systems, materials and alternative fuel

Use of Body Panel Repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g. alignment jigs, resistance welding equipment, riveting and bonding tools

Removal and replacement of body panels and associated parts e.g. mechanically fixed components, chemically fixed components

Interpretation of technical data for joining techniques and replacement panels

Quality control process and the implications of poor quality

Knowledge of key process for vehicle panel repair such as Welding utilising either Tungsten, Inert Gas (TIG) and Metal, Inert Gas (MIG) & brazing along with spot welding, riveting utilising self-piercing rivets and utilising panel adhesive bonding as specified by the manufacturer

Health & Safety and compliance requirements of the bodyshop industry

Their direct commercial productivity and efficiency impact of their role within the whole repair process. E.g, understanding the cost of mistakes and the need for accuracy. The impact of rework on resources and reputation.

Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair, including safety precautions, panel preparation and body measurements.

Ability to identify the material used in the construction to enable the correct joining techniques and manufacturer specifications to be adhered to.

Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to make sure that any joints are in line with vehicle manufacturer specification and the vehicle/body panels are aligned correctly

Ability to identify and understand the correct joining technology, e.g. when to use resistance spot welding or mig brazing or bonding.

Ability to remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently

Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process, panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, brazing tools.

Ability to identify and communicate supplementary damage such as panels that were deemed to be reparable but once worked on were found to be beyond repair along with damage that could not be established on original inspection.

Ability to detect and rectify faults within a vehicles structure that’s integral to its safety

Use all the knowledge and skills developed to carry out tasks in a safe and efficient manner, complying with all business operating procedures and policies

Operate as an effective team member and take responsibility, be honest and accountable when things go wrong, tracking their own progress and informing others if deadlines are at risk

Proactively find opportunities to learn about the wider business.

Commitment to customer service and meeting deadlines by being flexible with their time and willingness to engage on tasks outside of their job role to ensure goals are met

Take responsibility for personal and professional development, keeping knowledge and skills up to date with emerging technology to perform the role effectively

Anticipate problems and put steps in place to avoid them, where problems do occur explore and address the cause

Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate