South African school leavers interested in a more hands-on, technical career path, are being encouraged to consider a career in the motor body repair industry where a specialised trade and on-the-job training could secure employment.
SAMBRA, the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association, a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is highlighting all of the exciting careers on offer for school-leavers, who, after matric, want to do anything other than go to university.
The industry comprises a number of different roles that include a technician, who combines an element of hands-on work with the latest vehicle technology – ideal for anyone wanting to work in car repair, technical troubleshooting and customer service.
Why Consider a Career in Motor Body Repair?
Automotive body repair isn’t simply smasing dents and touching up paint. With vehicles growing more complex, collision repair isn’t just about getting the right tools. It takes precision, skill, expertise, and technical know-how to ensure the car is repaired in the right way.
“We need young people who are keen to learn and get their hands dirty, particularly in the panel beating and spray painting side of things,” says SAMBRA National Director Juan Hanekom.
Such trades are vital in the restoration of a parted vehicle and aid in the verification that repairs are carried out to the correct standards.
If you’re a young person who enjoys creating, working with your hands, repairing or watching things come to life motor body repair may be worth exploring.
Motor Body Repair Industry Jobs
Offers a broad spectrum of career options across technical, operational and administrative disciplines.
1. Panel Beating
Panel beating involves repairing and straightening vehicle body panels and repairing and refinishing vehicle body structures and exterior body parts using the correct repair processes and equipment. The job of a panel beater is technical and requires attention to detail.
2. Spray Painting
Spray Painters (Automotive) prepare vehicles, select the paint colour and spray paint. All tools and equipment including spray guns are used correctly and require skill and knowledge of procedure.
3. Vehicle Damage Assessment and Estimating
Assessors and estimators evaluate damage to vehicles and contribute to the calculation of the costs, labour and material to repair the vehicle. These roles might be suitable for people with technical understanding and ability, and analytical and administrative skills.
4. Workshop Management
This is involves managing the workshop i.e. finishing the repair jobs, helping the technicians, controlling quality of work and final finishing.
5. Customer Service and Administration
You will also need staff to deal with customers, book appointments, take notes and carry out admin.
Some of these jobs will be open to some of the employers but not the others and some of these jobs are only open to those who have some specific training or experience.
Training & Work Experience Can Lead to Opportunities
Students who decide not to study after matric can enter the automotive industry through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
TVET colleges, private training providers and employer based programmes The type and amount of training will vary according to the programme, but may include classroom tuition, practical training and training in the workplace.
Before applying:
- prospective students need to discover if the programme is accredited/recognised for the occupational purpose they are wanting to use it for, and the entry requirements for the programme; and
- whether work experience is part of the programme.
Note: there is a difference between a training course, an apprenticeship, learnership and a job opportunity or a vacancy. Each of these have different requirements and not all courses carry a stipend and guaranteed employment.
SAMBRA Improves Its Jobs Site
SAMBRA has been marketing its Jobs Portal as a tool to connect jobseekers with companies within the industry.
Through the portal, jobseekers can upload their CVs and businesses that are members of SAMBRA may be able to advertise jobs. These could be technical jobs, apprenticeships or jobs in administration and management.
If you want to get into the sector, the portal will help you find opportunities and potential employers.
Where to look for opportunities:
We encourage all jobseekers to read the advert, the criteria and follow the guidance on the application process. Just uploading a CV to a jobs portal will not get you an interview, a job or position.
Advice for School Leavers
It may help matrics still wondering about their next steps to consider a careers that to choose one that fits their personality, skills and circumstances.
If you’re a young person interested in motor body repair you might:
- Your preferences in terms of panel beating, spray painting and other automotive repair industry Careers before you decide to go down the training track.
- Research similar training: Call TVET colleges and approved training providers and ask about automotive courses and admission criteria.
- Job search apprenticeships and Entry level positions posted through: Employers career pages, industry bodies and apprenticeship websites.
- Pay for a cv: education and real abilities, work history, contact info.
- Before Applying please have a minimum qualification, experience, location and final date of advert.
- Advance your skills: Gain new technical knowledge and skills, through experience and specialised training.
A Practical Career Path Beyond University
“You don’t just have to go to university to have a great career,” says SAMBRA. “Skilled trades provide an opportunity to build technical knowledge and skills, and to gain experience in the workplace.
For learners who get excited about working with cars and other kinds of technology, the motor body repair industry should be considered in your post-school decision-making.
The preferred route will be based on individual interests, skills and available training or employment opportunities. The individual should contact the provider or employer to see whether they have a course/ vacancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAMBRA?
SAMBRA is an association affiliated to the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
What jobs can be obtained in motor body repair?
Other potential careers may involve panel beating, spray painting, estimating, diagnosing damage and running the workshop, customer service and administration.
Do I require a college diploma for a career in auto physique repair?
Some jobs do not require a university degree. Depending on the position, alternative qualifications can include vocational training, professional qualifications, and on the job training.
Where are motor body repair jobs?
An employment site is available throughSAMBRA so that jobseekers can upload their CV’s and browse through available jobs posted by member companies.
Visit https://sambra.biz/find-a-job/ to review the portal.
Does registering on the SAMBRA Jobs Portal guarantee employment?
No. Registration or uploading of CV does not constitute employment. The candidate has to satisfy themselves with the requirements of certain vacant positions and follow the recruitment procedure of the employer.
