Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating Course
300 h online course in introduction to traditional panel beating. 6 modules covering Real Decreto 1215/1997 (work equipment), Real Decreto 286/2006 (noise exposure) and Fusion 360. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating Course — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,080 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the trade of the traditional panel beater and its role in restoration.
Use hammers, stakes and sandbags with correct technique.
Form basic shapes by stretching and shrinking sheet metal.
Repair dents and deformations while preserving the original material.
Begin using the English wheel and the shrinker.
Apply protective measures against noise, vibration and cuts.
Make a simple panel as an introductory project.
Who it's for
- Traditional panel beater looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Artisan coachbuilder looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Classic vehicle restorer looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Bodywork workshop assistant looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Sheet metal repair technician looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Metal craftsperson looking to specialise in Introduction to Traditional Panel Beating.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter artisan bodywork.
What you'll work with
- Royal Decree 1215/1997 (work equipment)
- Royal Decree 286/2006 (noise exposure)
- Royal Decree 1311/2005 (vibration exposure)
- UNE-EN 10130 (low carbon steel sheet for cold forming)
- UNE-EN 485-2 (aluminium sheets, mechanical properties)
- UNE-EN ISO 9606-1 (qualification of welders)
- Royal Decree 773/1997 (personal protective equipment)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1History of panel beating1.2From the artisan coachbuilder to mass production1.3Workshop and workstation1.4Basic tools of the panel beater1.5Safety: hearing and hand protection1.6Properties of steel sheet1.7Reading shapes and character lines1.8Trade terminology1.9Learning pathway1.10Practical: preparing the workstation
2.1Body hammers and their faces2.2Stakes and hand anvils2.3Wooden and plastic mallets2.4Sandbag and wooden stumps2.5Body files and their use2.6Sheet metal shears and snips2.7Hand folders2.8Care and polishing of tools2.9Making your own tools2.10Workshop: polishing hammer faces and stakes
3.1Stretching over a sandbag3.2Upsetting and shrinking at the edge3.3Sinking on a wooden stump3.4Planishing on a stake3.5Forming flanges3.6Simple and conical curves3.7Checking with templates3.8Errors and their correction3.9Tactile reading of the panel3.10Practical: sheet metal bowl on a sandbag
4.1Diagnosing a dent4.2Technique on and off the stake4.3Use of levers4.4Heat shrinking4.5Filing to detect highs and lows4.6Small patches4.7Basic sheet metal welding4.8Pre-paint finishing4.9When to use filler4.10Workshop: repairing a dent in a panel
5.1English wheel: first steps5.2Shrinker and stretcher5.3Beading rollers5.4Foot-operated folder and shear5.5Pneumatic planishing hammer5.6Combining machine and hand work5.7Machine maintenance5.8Machine safety5.9Organising a small workshop5.10Case study: making a formed patch
6.1Choosing the part6.2Template and pattern6.3Cutting the sheet6.4Hand forming6.5Fitting and correction6.6Finishing with a file6.7Self-assessment of the shape6.8Process log6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is Fusion 360, AutoCAD, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real forming procedures with hammer and sandbag, dent repair with stake and hammer, and an introduction to the English wheel. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus a final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the trade of the traditional panel beater and its role in restoration.
Use hammers, stakes and sandbags with correct technique.
Form basic shapes by stretching and shrinking sheet metal.
Repair dents and deformations while preserving the original material.
Begin using the English wheel and the shrinker.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulations.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. This amounts to an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses Fusion 360, AutoCAD and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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