How to become a Vehicle Trimmer
Installs, repairs and replaces the interior trim of vehicles, such as seats, linings, floor coverings and door trims.
Main tasks
- Inspects vehicles for interior trim repairs or replacements needed
- Repairs or replaces damaged or worn interior trim components
- Installs new interior trim components such as seats, linings, floor coverings and door trims
- Cuts and sews fabric or upholstery materials, and applies adhesives or fasteners to fit and secure interior trim components
- Tests installed interior trim components for proper functionality and appearance
- Collaborates with other automotive professionals to ensure proper coordination of interior trim installations
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology (AUR32320); Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting (AUR22021); Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR20920); Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32120); Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31022)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $100,048 a year
- About 6,300 people work in this job group now, and about 6,500 are projected by 2035. (+2.5%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Vehicle Body Builder
- Automotive Technician (General)
- Automotive Electrician
- Panelbeater
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Bicycle Technician
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Vehicle Trimmer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting; Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology.
How much does a Vehicle Trimmer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $100,048 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Vehicle Trimmer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 6,300 to about 6,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Vehicle Trimmer?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology; Certificate II in Automotive Accessory Fitting; Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Vehicle Trimmer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04
