Job description Auto Body Worker in the Northwest Region

Find out what work is like for an auto body worker in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Motor vehicle body repairers (NOC 72411).

Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators

Description

Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; repair and/or replace automotive glass and repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars. Damage repair estimators assess the degree of damage to a vehicle and estimate the cost of parts and labour. They are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops, automobile appraisal centres and by motor vehicle manufacturers. This unit group also includes metal repairers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians
  • Review damage report and estimates of repair cost and plan work to be performed
  • Repair and replace front end components, body components, doors and frame and underbody components
  • Hammer out dents, buckles and other defects using blocks and hammers
  • Operate soldering equipment or use plastic filler to fill holes, dents and seams
  • Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills using wrenches and cutting torch and bolt or weld replacement parts into place
  • Straighten bent frames using frame and underbody pulling and anchoring equipment
  • File, grind and sand repaired body surfaces using hand and power tools
  • Mask and tape auto body surfaces in preparation for painting
  • Mix paint, blend and match colours
  • Apply primers and repaint surfaces using brush or spray guns
  • Repair and replace glass components such as windshields, windows and sunroofs
  • Repair or replace interior components, such as seat frame assembly, carpets and floorboard insulation
  • Inspect repaired vehicles and test drive vehicles for proper handling.
  • Automobile damage repair estimator
  • Inspect vehicle and estimate the costs and times for the repair and restoration of the vehicle
  • Write report on damage and cost estimate
  • Plan and coordinate work processes with the technicians
  • Follow automobile industry safety norms and standards
  • Provide customer service, such as answering all customer inquiries and explaining the complete repair process
  • Follow up with insurance companies for claim related correspondence
  • Order parts and material
  • Maintain accurate documentation and obtain customer signatures
  • Oversee final repairs for appearance and quality of work.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72411), and a list of similar occupations:

  • auto body and collision technician
  • auto body repairer
  • automobile damage repair estimator
  • automotive body mechanic
  • automotive glass technician
  • automotive painter apprentice
  • automotive painter - motor vehicle repair
  • metal finisher - motor vehicle manufacturing
  • metal repairer - motor vehicle manufacturing
  • motor vehicle body technician - truck
  • painter - motor vehicle repair

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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