Vehicle body builders design and build the chassis and body of vehicles such as trucks, trailers, caravans, panel vans and buses.
They work from plans, drawings and specifications. Materials are measured out, sawn or cut to size, fitted and welded together. The floor of the bodywork is then manufactured and bolted onto the chassis. Metal beams are cut, welded together and reinforced to form a sturdy frame for the body.
The panels of the bodywork are made from various sizes and thicknesses of sheet metal panels which are welded or riveted together onto the framework. Different materials are used for the inside panels to insulate or soundproof where necessary. The vehicle body is then cleaned and painted and windows are installed and fitted. Finally, the electrical fittings and other trimmings are installed.
Satisfying Aspects
- challenging work
- being creative and producing something useful
- working independently
- variety of tasks
Demanding aspects
- physically tiring having to handle heavy materials and machinery
- noise associated with metalworking
Requirements
A vehicle body builder should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- like to work with his hands;
- have a certain amount of mechanical insight and good spatial perception;
- be able to read plans and interpret specifications;
- enjoy assembling and dismantling engines and other mechanical devices;
- be dexterous and good at handling tools;
- have good eye-hand coordination;
- be physically strong and healthy with plenty of stamina.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mechanical Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Municipalities
- Transnet
- Private panel-beating concerns
- Government undertakings
- Explosives and allied industries
- Self-employment, with enough experience, initiative and capital, can start own business