As a panel beater, your skills are in high demand in Canada. With over 2 million vehicles on the road and an increasing need for collision repair services, panel beaters and automotive body repairers are considered an in-demand occupation.
If you have the necessary training, certification, and work experience, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Under this program, you can apply for permanent residency without a job offer.
Alternatively, if you secure an offer of employment from a Canadian employer, you may be eligible for a Canada Work Permit, which can lead to permanent residency. With stunning scenery, vibrant cities, universal healthcare, and a high standard of living, Canada offers an appealing lifestyle.
So, If you’re looking to Emigrate to Canada as a Panel Beater you’re in luck! Panel beaters are in demand right across Canada and you may be able to secure a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa either with or without a job offer.
Panel beaters also called smash repairers, are people who repair cars and other vehicles after a collision. A panel beater can return your car to its pre-accident condition.
The panel beating process involves removing, repairing, and replacing damaged panels, as well as spray painting, chassis alignment, and refitting body hardware.
No doubt you will have read online that having a job offer to move to Canada is a prerequisite to accessing the Express Entry process but as a panel beater, you also have other options to secure your Canada Visa from the start.
For starters, Panel beaters are eligible to apply to immigrate to Canada under the Canadian Government’s Immigration program due to the demand for Panel beaters in Canada being so great they have included the occupation on the targeted occupations list, known as the NOC list (National Occupation Code List).
There is a huge amount of work that goes into repairing a vehicle after an accident. Cars are more complex and carry more technology than ever before, so repairing them requires expert training and processes.
The tasks involved in panel beating include:
- Removing, repairing, and replacing damaged panels
- Repairing dents and scratches with specialty fillers
- Filing and sanding the bodywork to ensure a smooth finish
- Replacing damaged parts with genuine parts from the vehicle manufacturer
- Installing body hardware such as door locks and sensors
- realigning the chassis and body frame
- Repainting the vehicle and matching the original color.
Panel beaters are experts in a wide range of tasks needed to return a vehicle to its pre-crash condition.
As a panel beater, you have the opportunity to build a successful career and life in this welcoming country. In this article, you will learn about the steps to immigrate to Canada as a panel beater in 2024.
See All the documents you need
See also: Immigrate to Canada as a Jewellery and Watch Repairer 2024
The Demand for Panel Beaters in Canada
You have the chance to obtain long-term work and permanent residency as a panel beater in Canada. Due to rising car ownership and accident rates, panel beaters, also known as auto body repair experts, are in high demand throughout Canada.
Government labor market surveys predict an increase in the need for panel beaters in Canada over the coming years. There are now hundreds of employment openings for panel beaters in major regions including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. For individuals with the required technical skills and qualifications, the career outlook is favorable.
You normally need to finish a post-secondary program in car body repair or collision repair and refinishing to work as a panel beater in Canada. These courses typically last between six months and two years, and they lead to a certificate or diploma. Many universities offer programs that let you get on-the-job experience, such as internships or apprenticeships.
After completing your program, you must obtain a provincial license or certification. While requirements can differ, most involve passing an exam to verify your knowledge and abilities. The Canadian Collision Industry Forum accreditation is preferred or even required by many employers.
Moving to Canada as a panel beater may be the best option due to the country’s rising demand, satisfying employment, and prospects for career advancement. You stand a strong chance of obtaining permanent residency in Canada if you apply for express entry as a skilled worker or find job from an employer who would support your application. There may be a new life and long-term career stability ahead.
The code for Panel beaters on the NOC is 7322
This is great news for qualified Panel beaters the world over hoping to live and work in Canada.
Express Entry for Canada is not a visa class at all, it is simply the method (or database) that Canadian Immigration uses to select the right candidates for a permanent residency visa and in that case, as a panel beater looking to immigrate to Canada we’ll be looking at the Federal Skilled Trades visa and Provincial Nominee program.
Panel beaters from all over the world are eligible to make an Express Entry for Panel beater Canada Residency providing they have the right skills, experience, and qualifications in their home country.
Panel beaters looking to move to Canada to work under this NOC category 7322, might be employed under work titles including:
- antique car body restorer
- antique vehicle body restorer
- apprentice painter – motor vehicle repair
- auto glass installer
- autobody mechanic
- autobody repairer
- autobody technician
- autobody technician – collision
- autobody technician – refinishing
- autobody worker
- automobile body repairman/woman
- automobile damage repair estimator
- automobile polisher-sander – motor vehicle repair
- automotive body mechanic
- automotive body painter
- automotive body repairer
- automotive body repairer-painter
- automotive body technician
- automotive glass technician
- automotive painter – motor vehicle repair
- automotive painter apprentice
- automotive painting and refinishing technician
- automotive repair shop estimator
- body and fender repairer – automobile
- body and fender repairman/woman – automobile
- collision repair technician
- dent remover and repairer – automobile
- Dingman/woman – autobody
- journeyman/woman motor vehicle body repairer
- metal finish and touch-up repairer – motor vehicle manufacturing
- metal finisher – motor vehicle manufacturing
- metal repairer – motor vehicle manufacturing
- metal upgrader – motor vehicle manufacturing
- motor repair vehicle painter apprentice
- motor vehicle apprentice painter
- motor vehicle body finisher
- motor vehicle body repairer
- motor vehicle body repairer – collision
- motor vehicle body repairer – metal and paint
- motor vehicle body repairer – refinishing
- motor vehicle body repairer apprentice
- motor vehicle body repair-painter
- motor vehicle body technician
- motor vehicle body technician – truck
- motor vehicle painter – motor vehicle repair
- painter – motor vehicle repair
- used car renovator
All these roles held by panel beater are eligible to apply under this specific NOC category of 7322
See also: Immigrate to Canada as a Good Hairstylist In 2023/2024
Options to Move to Canada as a Panel Beater
As a panel beater in Canada, you have two main options to obtain permanent residency:
- Apply for permanent residency without a job offer through the Express Entry system. To qualify, you need at least a year of skilled work experience as a panel beater, and you must meet the language and education requirements. Your profile is ranked based on factors like age, language skills, and work experience. The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.
- Find a Canadian employer willing to hire you and sponsor your permanent residency. The employer would need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadian worker is available for the job. With an approved LMIA and job offer, you can apply for permanent residency through the Employer Job Offer: Skilled Trades stream.
As a panel beater, you are in a skilled trade, so you meet the basic requirements for both options. However, to improve your chances, you should:
- Gain additional years of experience: Panel beaters with 3-5 years or more of experience are viewed more favourably.
- Improve your language skills: Aim for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French. Stronger language skills result in more points for Express Entry and make you a more attractive job candidate.
- Consider temporary work: Apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit to gain Canadian experience. With a year of skilled work in Canada, you qualify for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class.
- Market yourself to employers: Build a strong resume highlighting your experience, skills, and certifications. Reach out to body shops and auto repair businesses across Canada to inquire about job opportunities and express your interest in sponsorship.
With the right preparation and perseverance, you have a good chance of establishing a career and life as a panel beater in Canada. The opportunities are out there—you simply need to take advantage of them.
See also: Immigrate to Canada as an Electronics Engineer In 2023/2024
Express Entry for Skilled Tradespeople Like Panel Beaters
Express Entry for Skilled Tradespeople Like Panel Beaters
As a panel beater, you have skills and experience that are in demand in Canada. The Express Entry system is Canada’s main economic immigration program, and one of the pathways within it is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This program is designed for people with experience in a skilled trade, like panel beating.
To be eligible for the FSTP, you need:
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the past 5 years. For panel beaters, this would be experience repairing vehicle bodies and frames.
- Meet the required language levels – for panel beaters, you need at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French.
- Have a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. As a panel beater, you would need certification to work in the automotive repair industry.
If you meet these criteria, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. Candidates are ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment). The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
For panel beaters, the key to a successful Express Entry application is:
- Gain the necessary years of work experience by the time you apply.
- Improve your language skills to meet or exceed the CLB level.
- Obtain the required certification to work as an automotive repair technician in Canada.
- Maximize your points for other factors like age, education, LMIA, etc.
By preparing well in advance, panel beaters have a good opportunity to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. With the skills shortage across the trades, the FSTP aims to help fill key roles like panel beaters to support Canada’s economy.
See also: Immigrate to Canada as a Hotel Manager In 2023/2024
Provincial Nominee Programs for Panel Beaters
As a panel beater looking to immigrate to Canada, the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are pathways designed specifically for your occupation. PNPs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their ability to contribute to the local economy. Each province has its own unique PNP streams for panel beaters that consider factors like job offers, work experience, language ability, and education.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
The AINP has a stream for panel beaters called the Alberta Opportunity Stream. To qualify, you need a job offer from an Alberta employer, minimum 2 years of work experience as a panel beater, and a minimum language requirement. The AINP does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for this stream.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The SINP has the Skilled Worker Category which includes an Occupations In-Demand sub-category for panel beaters. You need a job offer or work experience, meet the minimum language score, and have the required training or credentials for your trade. An LMIA is not required for this program.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
The MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream does not currently list panel beaters as an in-demand occupation. However, if you find an employer in Manitoba willing to provide you a job offer, you may still be eligible to apply through this stream. You will need a valid job offer, minimum 2 years of work experience, meet the language requirement, and the employer will need to obtain a positive LMIA.
In summary, while not all PNPs specifically target panel beaters, with the right job offer and credentials, you have a good chance of qualifying for at least one of the programs. Do thorough research on the various provincial streams to determine your best options and start the process of obtaining job offers, preparing your documentation, and improving your language scores. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of immigrating to Canada as a panel beater.
Tasks for those looking to Immigrate to Canada as a Panel Beater
In general panel beaters moving to Canada will be able to demonstrate knowledge or experience of the following:
- 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.
- Emigrate Canada has a dedicated Panel beater Canada desk that only represents qualified panel beaters immigrate to Canada. They understand your profession and can talk your language when it comes to explaining your immigration pathway and the route to securing a Canada Visa for you (and your family).
In the U, for example,e we’ll be looking for NVQ Level III From South Africa, you will be expected to hold your Red Seal
We’re happy to represent panel-beater clients from all over the World so regardless of your country of qualification feel free to contact us today for a full breakdown of your Canadian Immigration chances.
Use the CRS tool to estimate your score.
Reasons To Do Panel Beater Apprenticeship
Choosing a career path takes great consideration. Pursuing a panel-beating apprenticeship with Sheen Panel Service will arm you with best-in-class training and genuine career opportunities and progression. Apply for a panel beating or spray painter apprenticeship today.
1. ROLE DIVERSITY
With no two days the same, a panel-beating apprenticeship will see apprentices working across varied tasks that touch every service point of the business.
Challenge yourself daily with a panel-beating apprenticeship at Sheen Panel Service, and master the art of the many diverse tasks required of a skilled panel beater. This is what a panel-beating apprenticeship at Sheen Panel Service looks like:
- Removing, repairing, and replacing damaged panels on any vehicle
- Making or forming panels to replace damaged ones
- Repair dents on a damaged vehicle using fillers
- Filing, grinding & sanding the body of a vehicle to restore a smooth vehicle surface
- Re-fit body hardware, such as door locks
- Realign chassis & body frames
- Removing and replacing a vehicle’s auto-electric components if damaged
2. RECOGNITION THROUGH REMUNERATION
At Sheen Panel Service, offering a panel beater salary that is above award remuneration is a way of recognising and retaining talent. A panel-beater apprenticeship is the first step in your career, and ensuring that apprentices are set up for success is how the group have continued to produce the best industry professionals.
Sheen Panel Service’s panel beater apprenticeship model is also set up so that apprentices are paid on a weekly basis to align with lifestyle needs and set them up for success.
3. HANDS-ON TRAINING
A skilled professional is nothing without training, and Sheen Panel Service has designed a panel-beater apprenticeship that consists of in-depth training with the most recent technology and best practice available.
4. BEST IN CLASS EQUIPMENT
As automotive production evolves, so does the need for best-in-class equipment to complete a panel beater apprenticeship.
Apprentices will learn the craft by using state of the art equipment, positioning their development on a trajectory inline with modern advances and technology. Apprentices have access to the latest equipment, like Car-O-Liner measuring benches, spray booths, and computer scanners that ensure all electronics and sensors are reset and working correctly.
5. UNBEATABLE CULTURE
It’s not enough to be challenged in a panel beater apprenticeship, one must also enjoy the environment and culture.
“We’re just a tight knit sort of family, we do have a muck around but at the end of the week we get our work done”, Paul, Head Spray Painter at Sheen Panel Service.
Providing a workplace where apprentices can be engaged and feel supported by the greater team is integral to the success of the company and its panel beater apprenticeship reputation. Sheen Panel Service values initiative and hard work, with the support of its full network of locations behind you.
6. WORK WITH THE BEST
As the proud recipients of prestigious industry awards, securing a panel beater apprenticeship with Sheen Panel Service will set apprentices up for success in their roles covering areas of technical, operational and communication.
Work with some of the most talented in the panel beating and spray painting profession who are at the forefront of industry changes and technology.
7. CAREER PROGRESSION
Sheen Panel Service boast many locations within Victoria, with the operation continuing to expand. A panel beater apprenticeship leads to opportunities within the group and beyond, with the confidence of knowing that your certification and work experience are highly regarded in the market.
Many smash repair jobs can lead to management positions, and owning your own franchise. Jump start your career and position yourself as an emerging professional with a panel-beater apprenticeship with Sheen Panel Service.
8. JOB SECURITY
Securing a panel beater apprenticeship with Sheen Panel Service will not only afford you an above award panel beating salary but set you up for a fruitful career in the panel-beating trade.
Being trained by seasoned professionals will give you insight into future prospects and how to keep ahead of the trade so that opportunities are available. Working in real-time on varied tasks within Sheen Panel Service will give your apprenticeship great scope.
9. OPTIMAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Sheen Panel Service pride themselves on the working conditions provided to those pursuing a panel-beating apprenticeship.
“The Sheen Panel Service are always investing in new technology, new tools, new equipment, and also the training to use these tools correctly and in the safest manner,” Matt Johnston, Sheen Panel ServiceTradesmen Panel Beater.
Consistent training and a desirable panel beater salary makes a panel beater apprenticeship at Sheen Panel Service the only consideration.
10. CERTIFICATION
Secure an up to date certifications with training from I-CAR as well as training to use leading technology, such as the Car-o-liner measuring benches.
Continual training and a network of support from Sheen Panel Service’s locations will take your career to great heights and an above-award panel-beater salary, and set you on a track to management and franchise opportunities.
TOP 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PANEL BEATER
It can be hard to keep a cool head in the aftermath of a smash, but you need to think practically and choose the right panel beater to repair your vehicle.
Sounds easier said than done, right? Not necessarily. If you want to avoid being ripped off or having a second-rate job done on your car, then you just need to ask the right questions.
1. ARE YOUR PARTS THE REAL DEAL?
Cheap panel beaters seem like a great deal, but the poor workmanship and non-genuine parts can cost you more down the road.
If you don’t fancy having to pay another panel beater to repair the repairs and reverse the shoddy work completed by cheap panel beaters, make sure you choose a panel beater with a good reputation and a lot of experience in the smash repair business.
The number one thing that cheap panel beaters are known for is using non-genuine aftermarket replacement parts that do not meet the specifications set by the car manufacturer.
These aren’t subject to the same quality standards as genuine parts and are therefore cheaper upfront. However, they can end up costing you significantly more in the long run as they may wear more quickly, break more easily, or simply not function as required.
Genuine parts are more expensive to buy upfront because they come with a lifetime guarantee from the vehicle’s manufacturer and are made to precise finish and fit specifications.
They are the only thing a reputable panel beater will use. Using anything else may risk the safety and reliability of your vehicle, and only panel beaters who cut corners will do that.
2. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR METHODS OF REPAIR?
Ask your panel beater to explain how they determine the process of repairing your vehicle. This is a great way to discreetly check their standards and if they have set procedures in place.
While set procedures may sound like a good thing, what you should be looking for is a set process that involves examining your car from top to tail and assessing everything about it that needs to be repaired.
A panel beater’s approach to smash repairs on your vehicle should be completely personalized. If you’ve driven both a sedan and an SUV during your lifetime, you’ll understand why: no two cars are exactly alike. Settle for nothing less than a tailored quote for your smash repairs.
At Sheen Panel Service, we choose our method of repair based on the manufacturer’s approved repair method. Anything outside this scope doesn’t fall into the spec of the manufacturer.
When we put together panel beater quotes for our customers, there are multiple factors we take into account, such as the extent of the damage and the age of your vehicle.
Our Upload Your Smash page enables us to come back to you with a quote within the hour, but we also carefully examine your car in our panel shop, as the many factors that determine how a repair should be undertaken can’t always be depicted in photographs.
There may very well be structural damage hidden behind the cosmetic detrition to your car, and we can talk you through all our methods of repair.
3. WHAT’S THE LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE HELD BY THE TEAM?
You wouldn’t want just anyone to work on your vehicle – reputation matters. Ask your panel beater about how much experience they have in the smash repairs industry and whether they can make dealing with your insurer as painless as possible by assisting you through the claims process.
You won’t need to be concerned about shoddy smash repair techniques if the panel beater you choose has been in the business for a long time.
Ask them if they have:
- Trade school qualifications, e.g., they are trained and certified to work on your vehicle.
- Current membership with the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). As VACC-affiliated body repairers, they will comply with all VACC equipment standards, repair standards, and disputation procedures.
- Specialist training from professional auto industry organizations such as I-CAR and BASF.
4. DO YOU OFFER A LIFETIME GUARANTEE?
As VACC-affiliated body repairers, Sheen Panel Service complies with all VACC equipment standards, repair standards, and disputation procedures. VACC members must offer a minimum three-year warranty on all smash repair services, and we have been a proud and active member of the VACC for over 40 years.
However, Sheen Panel Service goes one step further by offering a lifetime guarantee on all our repairs – providing our customers with additional peace of mind in choosing us as their panel beater.
Most of our competitors will only offer a limited guarantee on smash repairs. Our confidence in our work is one of the areas in which we stand out from the crowd.
Our lifetime guarantee means that if a fault is detected in our work, even if it’s several years down the track, then we’ll repair the issue at no cost to you. Check out our Before & After Gallery for proof of our top-quality repairs.
Asking about a lifetime guarantee is a surefire way to find a panel beater who will work with you every step of the way. Don’t accept second best when it comes to smashing repairs – get workmanship that is guaranteed to restore the condition and value of your vehicle.
5. CAN YOU HELP ME OUT WITH AN ACCIDENT REPLACEMENT VEHICLE?
This might be the first question that springs to mind when searching for a panel beater but don’t forget to ask the others as well if you want to get the best deal for smash repair services.
Whether you’ve dented your car or had a more serious accident, an alternative form of transportation while it is towed and repaired is crucial.
When consulting a panel beater, ask if:
- They offer a courtesy replacement vehicle. No one wants a rental car fee on top of smash repair costs.
- If you can specify where you want the replacement vehicle delivered (home, work, school, gym, etc).
- Whether their replacement vehicles come in a range of options (small car, family-sized unit, trade ute or service van).
- If they offer post-service care and conduct a full follow-up to ensure you’re fully satisfied in the weeks following repairs.
At Sheen Panel Service, we’ll get you back on the road straight away with a replacement vehicle that suits your lifestyle. Our fleet features over 400 modern vehicles with options for families and tradies. Plus, when you pick up your repaired vehicle, it will be repaired to pre-crash condition – valeted, detailed, and with a complimentary gift bag.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Panel Beater
The first stage in your Canadian immigration process is to calculate your Canada Immigration points for Express Entry using the Canadian Comprehensive Ranking System.
CRS Points are awarded for (amongst other things)
- Age
- Qualifications
- English ability
- French ability
- Your partner’s skills
- Work experience
As well as providing you with important CRS points these factors also count towards your overall Immigration Points score which must equal or exceed a total of 67
Once you receive an ITA (Invitation to apply) from Canadian Immigration as a result of your Express Entry application you’ll only have 60 days in which to lodge a formal application so under no circumstances should you lodge an Express Entry application ‘claiming’ to have certain points without first having all of your points verified through different testing, education equivalence certificates and skilled trades assessments.
Once you are invited to apply for your Canada Visa you cannot go back and have these things verified retrospectively, they must be done before you claim any points for them and given that your express entry profile is only valid for one year it makes sense to present the best possible case right from the start.
Here are the 5 steps to Panel Beating
1. Shrinking/Stretching
2. Planishing
3. Welding
4. Filling
5. Sanding
Shrinking/Stretching
This involves applying heat to the damaged area of the panel whilst using a special hammer to reshape the metal. This technique is used together with Planishing to restore the panel to its original shape and contours.
Planishing
A planishing hammer is used to finely shape and smooth the panel surface. This metalworking technique helps push out the damaged metal where the metal is pushed against a shaping tool, known as a dolly or stake.
Welding
Welding may be used to join pieces of metal together by melting the work pieces together, once cooled it becomes a strong joint ensuring a strong vehicle structure. There are several ways to weld, such as by a gas flame or an electric arc but is dependent on the type of materials to be joined.
Filling
This involves adding putty filler to fill in some small holes in the surface so the original shape and contours can be achieved. It needs to be applied carefully our onto the area as fast as possible as once it hardens it’s not usable anymore. As the filler hardens, then it’s time to smooth and shape by sanding.
Sanding
Sanding is the procedure used to finely shape and smooth area ready for spray painting. Depending on the stage of work, a different texture can be achieved by changing the coarseness of the sanding pad.
Tools Used by Panel Beaters
1: Panel Beating Hammers
A variety is available. Flat-faced for crowned panels, crowned-faced for flat panels. These shapes limit the surface contact and can come with round or square faces, and heavy or light weights. Also, cross-pin and pick ends are useful. My hammers are all crowned, which works for me.
2: Cross-Pein Hammers
The cross-pein hammers allow for a concentrated blow with linear impact. This is used for many jobs, in particular when dressing door skins at critical points such as swage lines. A crowned heavy round-faced bumping hammer with the cross-pein end is possibly the most useful tool you will buy.
3: Pick Hammers
For an expert, the pick hammer is the most effective tool, but for the uninitiated, it is a nightmare. This hammer can be used to pick up a dent from the inside, using light, careful blows. The dimples are then planished away.
4: Shrinking Hammers
There are many wonder hammers on the market, but some are of only limited use. The spiral-faced hammer here is quite good. It is effective when removing scrapes on doors. Use in conjunction with a flat dolly.
5: Dollies
These provide the counter to a hammer or can be used to dress directly. Striking on the dolly will raise the metal by stretching while striking off will cause it to lift. Dollies come in many forms and you can never have too many.
6: Spoons
A spoon can be used to pry, drift and slap, or as a dolly. Generally cast in metal and chrome-plated, these are very handy tools to have around. The universal spoon also has a hooked end. When used as a drift, the spoon is struck with a mallet or club hammer.
7: Heavy Roughing Hammers
Club hammers, engineer’s hammers and heavy mallets. Roughing out is the term given to the stage in a repair before the final shaping and planishing. A range of hide copper and rubber mallets is a good idea, along with at least a couple of heavy steel hammers.
8: Dead Blow Hammer
This clever polyurethane hammer deserves a mention. Unlike conventional rubber hammers this has a hollow cavity filled with shot. In use, as the hammer strikes, its natural tendency to bounce is countered by the shot, which instead reinforces the blow. Great for bodywork.
9: Slappers/Spring Hammers
Any long striking device might be regarded as a slapper, be it made of wood, steel, or as in this case, have a rubber face. It is often useful to inflict a defuse blow on the work piece. Highs can be shrunk so as not to leave a flat or hollow.
10: Bumping File
This was traditionally an old file, which had been lopped and shaped to work as a slapper with grip. The knurled file face will counter the natural tendency of the metal to stretch. The bumping-file or Shrinking Slapper is also essential in the process of metal finishing.
11: Body File
Though not a beating tool, the flexible body file is used in conjunction with the bumping-file in the metal-finishing process. This adjustable file is an essential element in any panel beater’s tool kit.
12: Proprietary Panel Beating Kits
Panel Beating kits are available from companies such as Frost Auto. Higher-priced tools often feel better in the hand. If you are only going to renovate one car, go for the budget set. Should you be more serious, spend a bit more.
Skills Assessment to Emigrate to Canada as a Panel Beater
The process of getting your panel beating skills, experience and qualifications verified is called Skills Assessment and it serves two purposes.
- Canada Panel beater Skills Assessment purpose one: With a positive skills assessment you’ll be able to claim the requisite points on both the Express Entry CRS and eventual Federal Skilled Trades application.
- Canada Panel Beater Skills Assessment purpose two: Your positive skills assessment will also double as your Red Seal qualification so having your panel beating skills assessed means that you’ll be qualified to work as a panel beater in Canada from day one.
As part of your immigration process, your dedicated Panel Beaters Canada account manager will arrange for your Red Seal equivalency process so there’s no need to worry about how to move to Canada; we’ll have you covered from the moment you get the ball rolling.
Can I emigrate to Canada as a Panel Beater without a job offer?
The answer is a resounding yes, providing you have a reasonable total CRS score on your Express Entry application and can meet the 67 immigration point threshold for your Canada Federal Skilled Trades Visa.
Technically there is no minimum CRS score required to submit a Panel Beater Canada Express Entry profile.
Of course, securing a job offer (documented in the right way for immigration purposes i.e. LMT) will give you an instant CRS boost of 600 points so it makes sense to start this process as soon as is practical.
Panel beater Jobs in Canada
Occupations on the Canada NOC list can be classed as being ‘in demand’ and the panel beaters code 7322 has been firmly established on the list for many years with lots of opportunities right across the country.
As a qualified new and highly skilled Permanent resident of Canada, you may work full-time from day one, either as a direct employee, contractor, or in a self-employed capacity. Panel beater jobs in Canada are often better paid than in the UK, Europe, and Asia and Canadian employment law respects the work-life balance.
Canada as a Motor Collision industry accreditation Program. Any Panel Beater looking to start their own shop once they have emigrated to Canada should look into the accreditation required.
Emigrate Canada are the panel-beater Canada Visa specialists with a dedicated Skilled Trades desk ideally placed to take care of not just your immigration paperwork, but also to get you registered to work from day one.
FAQ: Moving to Canada as a Panel Beater
Will my qualifications be recognized?
As a panel beater, your skills and experience are in high demand in Canada. However, to work in Canada, you will need to have your qualifications assessed and recognized by a designated organization. The process typically involves submitting evidence of your education, training, and work experience to determine your equivalency to Canadian standards. Fees apply for assessment services.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate?
You do not necessarily need a job offer to immigrate to Canada as a panel beater. You can apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) which targets skilled tradespersons like panel beaters. To be eligible, you need at least 2 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years in an eligible skilled trade (panel beating), meet the required language test score, and other criteria.
What is the job outlook for panel beaters in Canada?
The job market for panel beaters in Canada is quite promising. According to the Government of Canada, panel beaters are in high demand across the country. Employment prospects in this trade are good, especially in urban areas. The number of job openings for panel beaters is expected to grow over the coming years due to industry growth and the need to replace retiring workers. Many well-paying job opportunities with competitive salaries are available for qualified immigrant panel beaters.
What is the salary range for panel beaters in Canada?
Panel beaters in Canada are generally well compensated. According to the Government of Canada’s job bank, the median annual salary for panel beaters in Canada is $55,000. Actual salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and employer. Salaries tend to be higher in large metropolitan cities. Senior panel beaters, supervisors, and managers can earn up to $85,000 per year.
In summary, with the skills shortage and high demand, Canada welcomes panel beaters from abroad. If you meet the criteria, immigrating to Canada as a panel beater can be a straightforward process and open up opportunities for career and financial success.
Conclusion
As you can see, Canada offers an attractive lifestyle and career opportunities for panel beaters. With demand high across the country and a skills shortage to fill, securing a visa and job is a real possibility.
The natural scenery, outdoor activities, healthcare, and stability provide an appealing work-life balance. While the immigration process requires time, patience and diligence, the rewards of building a new life in Canada can be well worth the effort.
For those seeking adventure in a new land, Canada may just be the place to hammer out a pretty lifestyle and lasting career as a panel beater. The future is unwritten, so take a chance and shape your destiny in the Great White North.
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