Shortage of automotive refinishers
Automotive refinishers are in high demand due to an increase in car ownership rates, which means more demand for automotive refinishing services.
However, not enough people are completing apprenticeships in automotive refinishing to meet demand.
As a result, vehicle painter (automotive refinisher) will appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green List from March 2024. This means the Government is actively encouraging these skilled workers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
According to the Census, 1,842 automotive refinishers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Types of employers varied
Most automotive refinishers work for:
- specialised collision repair businesses and car painters
- general automotive workshops that deal with cars, boats and trucks
- motor vehicle dealerships.
A small number of automotive refinishers are self-employed.