Panel Beater (GES_TTF_SA)

About the Role

The Truck Factory is looking to appoint a skilled Panel Beater to undertake repair work on truck cabins and panels within its workshop operations in Burton, South Australia. The role is responsible for restoring damaged truck body components, repairing or replacing panels, straightening and aligning cabins, and ensuring completed work meets required structural, cosmetic and operational standards.

This role requires a practical, trade-focused person who can work efficiently and safely in a workshop environment, with a strong eye for detail and pride in workmanship. Truck and heavy vehicle repair experience will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities

The Panel Beater will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Inspect damaged truck cabins, panels and body components to determine the nature and extent of repairs required.

• Repair damaged truck cabins using appropriate panel beating techniques and workshop equipment.

• Repair, reshape, straighten or replace damaged panels on trucks and heavy vehicles.

• Square up cabins and body structures to restore alignment and fitment.

• Carry out structural and non-structural panel repairs in accordance with workshop and manufacturer standards where applicable.

• Remove damaged panels, body components, trims and fittings as required for repair or replacement.

• Refit repaired or replacement panels and components to ensure correct alignment, finish and functionality.

• Use panel beating tools, jigs, measuring equipment, hydraulic equipment and other workshop machinery safely and effectively.

• Perform metal finishing, straightening and preparation work prior to painting or further finishing processes.

• Assess whether components are repairable or require replacement.

• Work closely with other workshop staff including painters, mechanics, fabricators and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of jobs.

• Maintain a high standard of workmanship and presentation across all repairs.

• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with workplace health and safety requirements.

• Keep work areas clean, organised and safe at all times.

• Report repair issues, additional damage or delays promptly to the Workshop Manager or relevant supervisor.

• Assist with general workshop duties consistent with the role as required.

Skills and Experience Required

To be considered for this role, applicants should demonstrate:

• Proven experience working as a Panel Beater.

• Demonstrated ability to:

  • repair cabins

  • repair panels

  • square up cabins

• Ability to assess body damage and determine practical repair solutions.

• Experience using industry-standard tools and equipment associated with panel beating and body repair.

• Good understanding of alignment, fitment and finishing requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Ability to work productively both independently and within a team environment.

• Good communication skills and a reliable, professional work ethic.

Desirable Experience

The following will be highly regarded:

• Previous experience working on trucks or heavy vehicles.

• Experience repairing commercial vehicle cabins and heavy transport bodywork.

• Relevant trade qualification in panel beating or vehicle body repair.

• Experience in high-volume workshop environments.

• Knowledge of safe repair practices relevant to heavy vehicle body work.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate is likely to be:

• Practical and hands-on

• Quality focused

• Reliable and punctual

• Safety conscious

• Able to work under direction and meet workshop deadlines

• A team player with a positive attitude

Work Environment

This role is based in a workshop environment at Burton, South Australia, and involves manual work, use of tools and machinery, and standing for extended periods. The role may involve lifting, bending, kneeling and working on a range of truck body repair tasks.