Rising vehicle collisions causing panelbeater shortage

A growing number of vehicle collisions resulting fromthe increased congestion on our roads has led to a shortage of panelbeaters, according to an industry body. New statistics from the Insurance Council of NZ show the number of private vehicle related claims in New Zealand has increased by more than five percent to 422,429 annually since 2013. Collision Repair Association (CRA) general manager, Neil Pritchard, says that “as the number of insurance claims and demand for vehicle repair services has increased, it has put further pressure on the industry which is currently forecasting a shortage of new panelbeaters over the next three years, compounded by the potential impact of baby boomer generation workers retiring. “Right now we need 600 new panelbeater apprentices to enter the industry over the next three years to answer the demand – we are getting about half that number currently,” he says. Pritchard says “the rate of development in the vehicle industry has advanced quickly and it is also changing the role of panelbeaters. Modern cars are made from more advanced materials and their integrated safety systems mean that what used to be a straightforward task such as changing out a windscreen is now far more complex, as an array of sensors and cameras must also be reattached, meaning the technical capabilities required of the panelbeater are now far higher.” Pritchard says the industry has launched a marketing campaign and scholarship programme to help recruit hundreds of new apprentices into the industry.