Shop About Members login
Become a Vehicle Body Repair Technician
If you want to learn how to repair vehicles after accidents and restore them to better than showroom standard, MTA’s Vehicle Body Repair Technician apprenticeship is the pathway for you. South Australia’s leading automotive training provider, MTA Training and Employment delivers practical, workshop-focused vehicle body repair training alongside your on-the-job experience. You’ll train using industry-standard equipment at MTA’s modern Royal Park facilities and real smash repair operations statewide.
As an apprentice you complete AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose, repair and restore vehicle bodywork from chassis to panels. This apprenticeship is ideal if you want to work as a vehicle body repair technician who understands modern repair techniques and safety standards.
Apply Now
Why Choose a Vehicle Body Repair Technician Apprenticeship?
The demand for skilled vehicle body repair technicians remains strong as road traffic continues and vehicles need to be repaired to meet strict safety and quality standards. Choosing a vehicle body repair apprenticeship through MTA gives you training on the latest tools, welding techniques and alignment systems used in modern smash repair shops.
Apply Now
Benefits for Apprentices and Employers
A vehicle body repair apprenticeship benefits both apprentices and employers by developing technicians who can deliver high-quality repairs efficiently. Apprentices gain trade skills in high demand, while businesses build capacity to handle more repair work in-house.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

automotive school programs at the mta

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice’s vehicle body repair apprenticeship with MTA’s industry-leading training and employer resources.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Launch your auto body repair apprenticeship and learn to repair vehicles to manufacturer standards with MTA’s practical training.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a vehicle body repair apprentice in your workshop and benefit from MTA’s recruitment and support services.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Use oxy-acetylene and electric welding equipment to cut and join replacement sections or damaged panels.
  • Straighten badly damaged vehicles using mechanical and hydraulic equipment to achieve correct alignments.
  • Fill depressions with fibreglass or plastic fillers, then file, grind and sand repaired surfaces using power and hand tools.
  • Realign chassis and body frames using alignment machines and measuring systems.
  • Replace badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels and refit body hardware.

During your vehicle body repair apprenticeship you will work in smash repair shops, learning to handle everything from minor dents to major structural damage. You will use mechanical and hydraulic equipment, welding tools and alignment systems to return vehicles to manufacturer specifications.

Apply Now

What You Will Learn as a Vehicle Body Repair Technician Apprentice

This apprenticeship is designed to build your skills progressively from basic panel repair to advanced structural work. Whether you are fixing collision damage or assisting with custom builds, you will learn techniques that meet industry standards for quality and safety.

You will learn how to:

  • Remove and replace damaged panels and parts by unbolting or cutting them away.
  • Remove dents by hammering panels with a plenishing hammer or wooden mallet.
  • Fit repaired panels on the framework of the vehicle and refit components such as door locks and trims.
  • Assist vehicle body builders to build custom designed, specialty or vintage vehicles.
  • Remove and replace accident-related mechanical items and auto electrical components.
Apply Now
Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.

For apprentices, completing a vehicle body repair apprenticeship means you can:

 

Stand Out in Repair Shops

Increase your employability and stand out when applying for workshop roles with qualifications that demonstrate your skills in panel repair, welding and chassis alignment.

Apply Now

Enjoy Varied Daily Work

Work on a range of repair jobs from minor dents to major collision damage, keeping your day varied and your skills sharp across different vehicle types.

Apply Now

Access Future Career Opportunities

Position yourself for future opportunities in workshop supervision, damage assessment, restoration or even owning your own smash repair business.

Apply Now

For employers, vehicle body repair apprenticeships can help you:

 

Build Multi-Skilled Technicians

Build technicians who can complete panel repairs, welding and alignments, reducing the need to outsource work and keeping more jobs in-house.

Host An Apprentice
Dual Trade Apprentice in workshop

Boost Workshop Efficiency

Improve workshop efficiency by having staff who can assess damage, repair panels and prepare vehicles for painting, leading to faster turnaround times.

Host An Apprentice

Prepare for Modern Repairs

Plan for the future as vehicles incorporate advanced materials and safety systems, with trade skills that match evolving repair demands.

 

If you would like to discuss how a vehicle body repair apprentice could fit into your business, you can learn more about MTA’s automotive apprenticeships and support services for employers through the main MTA apprenticeships page.

Host An Apprentice

Training Model and Supervision

MTA’s vehicle body repair apprenticeship uses a competency-based approach over four years, with training delivered at your host employer and MTA’s Royal Park facility. Off-the-job training focuses on practical skills using industry-standard equipment and vehicles.

Supervision Requirements

Apprentices are supervised by qualified vehicle body repair technicians at their host workshop to ensure safe practices and quality outcomes. MTA trainers provide guidance on advanced techniques such as weld defect correction and preparation for I-CAR accreditation.

Apply Now

Entry Pathways and How to Apply

There are two main ways to start your vehicle body repair apprenticeship at MTA Training and Employment. 

 

​Become employed by MTA and be placed with a host smash repair business while you complete your training  by submitting an application via Apply for an Apprenticeship.

 

Gain an apprenticeship on your own and do your training at South Australia’s most progressive automotive training facility as part of the broader MTA apprenticeships offering.

 

To start your application, complete the online form on MTA’s Apply for an Apprenticeship page so the team can contact you about current opportunities.

Apply Now

Course Overview

1

Rectifying panel damage using tools and techniques to repair steel or aluminium without fillers where possible.

2

Preparing panels ready to accept paint primers and top coats.

3

Advanced welding, including identifying and correcting weld defects.

4

Up to nine subjects towards I-CAR accreditation.

The Vehicle Body Repair Technician apprenticeship follows a structured progression from basic skills to advanced repair techniques. You will complete AUR32120 Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology, covering damage assessment, panel repair, welding, alignment and surface preparation.

Entry Criteria

To be eligible for the Vehicle Body Repair Technician apprenticeship, you will generally need to:

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be in Year 11 or higher if you are still at school.
  • Successfully complete MTA’s pre-selection test and interview process.
  • Meet literacy and numeracy requirements through an assessment.

A literacy and numeracy assessment forms part of the enrolment process to ensure you meet the minimum required levels. Funding through the South Australian Department for Education requires you to meet a minimum standard; if you are below this level, you will be referred to a provider to access a foundation skills course or foundation skills bridging units. 

Individuals seeking access to a Certificate II or III subsidised training place or a Jobs First Employment Project must demonstrate they are at Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Exit Level 2 in reading and numeracy.

Apply Now

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have prior experience in body repair, panel work or related fields, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available. RPL assesses your existing skills against the apprenticeship units so you can gain credit and potentially complete faster.

​

MTA trainers will review your workplace experience, informal training or previous qualifications to determine eligibility for RPL. This process helps you focus on new skills and advance more quickly in your vehicle body repair career.

Contact us

Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

MTA Training and Employment is South Australia’s only dedicated automotive industry training provider, delivering apprenticeships at its Royal Park centre equipped for real-world body repair training.

 

Choosing MTA for your auto body repair apprenticeship means access to modern facilities, industry connections and training aligned with current repair technologies and safety standards. MTA supports both school-based and full-time pathways, helping you transition smoothly into the workforce.

Apply Now

Employment Opportunities

After completing your vehicle body repair apprenticeship, you will have opportunities in crash repair shops, new and used car dealerships, restoration specialists and custom vehicle builders. Qualified technicians are needed to repair everything from minor damage to major structural collisions.

Potential roles include:

  • Vehicle body repair technician in smash repair workshops.
  • Panel beater specialising in chassis alignment and welding.
  • Damage assessor or workshop supervisor with experience.
  • Technician assisting with vehicle painting and refinishing.

With experience, you can progress to leading teams, estimating repairs, I-CAR certification or owning a repair business.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Panel Beater/Body Repairer do?

A Panel Beater or Vehicle Body Repair Technician assesses vehicle damage, repairs panels and structures, welds components, aligns chassis and prepares surfaces for painting to restore vehicles to safe and roadworthy condition. They use specialist tools, hydraulic equipment and welding techniques to fix everything from dents to major collision damage.

Can I start while I am still at school?

Yes, school-based vehicle body repair apprenticeships are available for students in Year 11 or higher who meet the entry criteria. You can combine part-time work and training with school, gaining qualifications while completing your education.

Where can Vehicle Body Repair Technician take you?

This career can lead to roles in crash repair shops, dealerships, restoration workshops and custom vehicle building. With experience, you can advance to workshop supervisor, damage estimator, I-CAR specialist or business owner.

Subscribe to our mailing list

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Interested In*
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Exclusive MTA member content

If you are an MTA member business and listed as an authorised contact, please enter your email to access the content.

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Register to "Vehicle Body Repair Technician"

If you are an MTA member business and listed as an authorised contact, please enter your email to access the content.

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

RSVP to "Vehicle Body Repair Technician"

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Add Person Details

First Name
Please fill a this field
Last Name
Please fill a this field
Phone
Enter Phone Number
Email
Please enter a valid email address
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Choose Attending Option

Attending
Notes
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Please provide your information

Please submit your details below in order to download the requested template

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*

By downloading the brochure, you consent to receiving future emails and information from us. We prioritise your privacy and will handle your personal information in line with our privacy policy. To unsubscribe, click the "unsubscribe" link in any email. Kindly note that unsubscribing may affect your access to future updates and relevant information.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Please provide your information

Please submit your details below and one of our customer service team members will get back to you.

"*" indicates required fields

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone
Company name
Message
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Got questions?

Please submit your details below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch with you soon.

"*" indicates required fields

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone
Company name*
Message
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

To purchase this content, please complete this form and one of our friendly team members will be in touch with you shortly.
Note: This content may be exclusive to Members.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Product
First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone*
Company name*
Details
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.