Lesterj Kester

Highly skilled, detail-oriented, and dependable Vehicle Panel Beater Technician with extensive local and international automotive collision repair experience across South Africa and the United Kingdom. Proven history of producing high-tier workmanship on vehicle structural restorations, precision panel beating, component stripping, and mechanical reassembly. Exceptionally skilled at operating within fast-paced, high-volume insurance-approved body shops as well as handling flexible, field-based mobile repair environments independently.

Recognised by workshop management teams as an adaptable, collaborative professional who proactively secures target turnarounds while strictly adhering to safety and quality compliance protocols.

Vehicle Panel Beater Technician - Elder & Paton Ltd - Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom

(2025-08 - 2026-04)

• Executed highly specialized accident and structural repairs on modern vehicles utilizing advanced, manufacturer-approved structural repair techniques.
• Conducted precision panel beating, body structural pulling, component stripping, and comprehensive collision reassembly to factory configurations.
• Collaborated fluidly with international technicians to optimize workflow throughput and maintain Thatcham BSI Kitemark quality standards.

Temp Assistant Panelbeater - Bridge Service and Panel Pty Ltd - South Africa

(2021-02)

• Perform comprehensive panel beating, chassis pulling, framework alignment, and dent corrections on a diverse range of consumer vehicles.
• Meticulously strip down collision-damaged frames and systematically reinstall post-repair exterior panels and interior trims.
• Coordinate with structural spray painters and estimators to ensure high production speed and minimal turnaround delay.

Full-Time Vehicle Panel Beater Technician - Halo Accident Repairs - United Kingdom

(2022-08 - 2024-10)

• Operated predominantly as an autonomous mobile panel beater technician, systematically organizing on-site customer configurations and remote operations.
• Delivered precision structural repair and panel realignments at the regional Bognor site and multiple off-site mobile logistics points.
• Validated final output to ensure absolute compliance with major international insurance coverage standards and safety rules.

Apprentice Panelbeater - Danmar Autobody - Ophirton, Booysens, South Africa

(2015-12 - 2019-10)

• Developed strong, fundamental workmanship across metal manipulation, body panel replacement, and body alignment.
• Assisted senior panel beaters with deep damage diagnostics, structural stripping, body preparation, and final vehicle fitment.
• Maintained absolute shop safety and organization, earning formal recognition as a reliable team player willing to exceed standard duties.

Panelbeater - Babu's Panelbeaters - South Africa

(2010 - 2014)

• Managed structural metal pounding, general panel beating, vehicle skin trimming, and final hardware installations.
• Assessed structural impacts on inbound vehicles to determine optimal manual repair pathways.

Computer Literacy Certification - Computer Literacy - Lenasia Teachers' Centre (2001 - 2001)

Senior Certificate - Matric - Trinity Secondary School (2001 - 2001)