Where should a skilled panel beater go in 2025 – the UK or Australia? That’s the question sparking heated debate among trade professionals and automotive employers alike.

On paper, Australia seems like the obvious winner: wages can exceed AUD $55 per hour, and the role is officially listed as a priority occupation for migration. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find serious trade-offs, higher living costs, regional licensing hurdles, and stricter qualification recognition for foreign workers.

Meanwhile, the UK’s automotive repair industry is struggling with a crisis of its own. With over 23,000 vacancies in technical roles and panel beaters still not included on the Government’s Shortage Occupation List, many workshops are desperate for skilled labour but face roadblocks to hiring from overseas.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know in 2025 about becoming a panel beater in either country: training requirements, job prospects, salaries, and long-term opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re starting out or considering migration, the decision is more complex than it seems.

1. Training and Certification Requirements for Automotive Repair

Work in UK – skills assessment

To work as a panel beater in the UK, individuals typically complete the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Vehicle Damage Panel Technician (ST0403/AP01). The training lasts 36 months and is delivered by IMI-approved centres under regulation from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. At the end of the programme, apprentices must complete a formal End-Point Assessment (EPA), which includes practical tasks, knowledge testing, and a professional discussion. Passing the EPA confirms that the candidate meets the required skills standard to work as a qualified panel beater.

Work in Australia – skills assessment

In Australia, the equivalent qualification is Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120). This takes approximately 3 to 4 years to complete, typically via apprenticeships provided by TAFE or other RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). All qualifications are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Immigrants to Australia must undergo a Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to have their overseas qualifications recognised.

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2. Salary Expectations for Panel Beater – Car Body Repair

In the UK, panel beaters working with us typically earn between £19 and £24 per hour. Annual salaries for this role range from approximately £23,000 for entry-level positions to £40,000 or more for experienced specialists, depending on region and seniority. In major cities like London, Birmingham, or Manchester, hourly rates often trend toward the upper end of the scale due to higher demand and living costs.

In Australia, panel beaters can expect significantly higher hourly wages. According to our company data, the average rate ranges from AUD $40 to AUD $55 per hour, depending on skill level and location. In addition to that, national data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that median weekly earnings for full-time technicians and trades workers in the automotive sector are around AUD $1,684. This translates to an approximate annual salary of AUD $87,568 (based on 52 working weeks). 

Panel beater hourly wage, annual salary & regional variation:

Country	Hourly Wage at Meenz	Annual Salary Estimate	Regional Variation
UK	~£19 – £24	£22,000 – £40,000+	Higher in London, Birmingham, Manchester
Australia	~AUD $40 – $55	~AUD $87,568+	Higher in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane

Industry in Australia offers clearly higher average earnings for panel beaters, it is important to weigh these salaries against the significantly higher cost of living in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Nevertheless, for qualified and experienced professionals, Australia remains a highly attractive market in terms of income potential and demand for skilled tradespeople.

3. Job Opportunities for Vehicle Body Repair

United Kingdom – Career Pathway

The UK is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled panel beaters. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the sector has over 23,000 unfilled vacancies, many of them in technical roles requiring at least three years of training. Despite rising demand, panel beaters are not currently included on the UK Government’s Shortage Occupation List, making it difficult to recruit qualified workers from abroad (2023, IMI).

Industry groups including IMI, NBRA, and Ingenia Recruitment have launched a petition urging the government to add panel beaters to the list. Without action, bodyshops face longer repair times, higher costs, and a growing reliance on underqualified staff.

Australia – Career Pathway

Australia is experiencing a major national shortage of panel beaters. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the occupation is officially on the national Skills Priority List (2024).

In addition, a 2023 survey commissioned by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) revealed the severity of the situation at workshop level. The research shows that 47% of all automotive workshops are currently hiring technicians, and 31% are actively seeking master technicians. Overall, the industry is short approximately 40,000 workers, including 27,000 qualified technicians and 13,500 apprentices, which means that every second workshop lacks at least one technician or apprentice.

Would you like to know more about the cost of living in both countries? check out

4. Career Progression and Industry Support

UK

In the UK, a panel beater can progress to roles such as Bodyshop Manager, Estimator, or Vehicle Damage Assessor. Some may move into inspection, insurance work, or open their own repair business. Further qualifications can be obtained through IMI or ATA accreditations.

Australia

In Australia, panel beaters are recognised as skilled tradespeople under the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089). This award explicitly covers roles such as mechanics, automotive technicians, panel beaters, painters, and related apprenticeships.

Under the Award, panel beaters may specialise in structural repairs, panel alignment, bonding techniques, and more advanced skills including paintless dent removal, hybrid/EV bodywork, and workshop management. Advancement opportunities in this sector include promotions to roles like workshop manager or vehicle inspector, with clear frameworks for pay, leave, and career progression embedded within MA000089 .

5. Takeaway – Panel Beater Job in the UK or Australia?

Aspect	United Kingdom	Australia
Training Duration	36 months	3–4 years (Certificate III, AUR32120)
Hourly Rate at Meenz	~£19 – £24	~AUD $40 – $55
Annual Salary Estimate	£22,000 – £40,000 +	~AUD $87,568 +
Regulation & Support	IMI, ATA, Institute for Apprenticeships	ASQA, Skills & Jobs in Australia

Conclusion:

For panel beating both the UK and Australia offer promising career paths. Australia stands out for its high wages and official migration channels, but the cost of living can offset some of the financial benefits. The UK, while offering lower salaries, provides structured apprenticeships and growing demand, especially outside London. The choice will depend on your personal goals, migration plans, and lifestyle preferences.

Sources:

https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/437

https://tide.theimi.org.uk/learn/imi-centres/apprenticeship-standards/vehicle-damage-panel-technician-ST0403-AP01

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeships/st0403-v1-2

https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/AUR32120/qualdetails

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/vehicle-body-repairer

https://www.aaaa.com.au/industry-advocacy/half-of-all-automotive-workshops-looking-for-staff/

https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/3241-panelbeaters

https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortages-analysis/occupation-shortage-list

https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/news/industry-needs-your-help

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/awards-summary/ma000089-summary

https://tide.theimi.org.uk/motor-careers