Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

Designation of occupation

Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic,
recognised by ordinance of 25 July 2008 (BGBl. I, p. 1523).

Duration of traineeship

3.5 years
The venues for training are company and part-time vocational school (Berufsschule). For the continuing training of young skilled workers, courses of instruction at inter-company training centres have been agreed by the social partners.

Field of activity

Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics primarily manufacture or repair motor vehicle superstructures and body components. They are em-ployed in the skilled trade sector and in industry, by commercial vehicle manufacturers, relevant vehicle repair businesses and workshops specialised in vehicle body production. They work mainly in production shops and workshops.
They carry out their work independently in accordance with documentation and job orders, and observe the relevant regulations and safety provisions. They often work as part of a team. They coordinate their work with the preceding and following trades. They plan and control their operational procedures, monitor and assess results and apply quality management systems. They carry out servicing and adjustment tasks. They advise and assist customers in relation to the company's products and services, taking environmental and economic aspects into account.

Occupational skills

Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics
specialising in motor vehicle body maintenance technology

• repair motor car and heavy goods vehicle bodies and superstructures, 
• equip or retrofit vehicles with accessories and special equipment, 
• produce, varnish and protect surfaces, 
• assess damage to vehicles, identify faults, malfunctions and defects and document their causes, 
• monitor and document maintenance and assembly work.

Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics
specialising in motor vehicle body construction technology

• construct, manufacture and maintain motor vehicle bodies, body components and superstructures, e.g. for buses, ambulances and rescue vehicles, sales vehicles and motor caravans, 
• equip or retrofit motor vehicle bodies and superstructures, e.g. with lifting and loading devices or air conditioning systems, 
• build prototypes and pilot production runs, 
• equip and retrofit motor vehicles and motor vehicle bodies, taking account of statutory requirements, 
• restore classic and vintage motor vehicles, 
• build housings for equipment and instruments for special vehicles of all types.

Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics
specialising in motor vehicle construction technology

• manufacture special motor vehicles for a variety of deployments, 
• manufacture trailers and semitrailers including associated systems, 
• fabricate superstructures for special motor vehicles, e.g. for the transport of fuels, refuse and building materials, 
• test and maintain steering and braking systems, 
• install loading equipment, cable winches, swap-body systems and loading cranes, 
• alter the length, width and height of chassis and superstructures, 
• retrofit motor vehicles for intermodal deployment e.g. for road and rail operation.

Last modified on: August 13, 2009