Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprentice - NOVA Automotive Group - Harlow, Essex

About the role

As an apprentice vehicle damage panel technician, you will be repairing accident damage to vehicles, i.e., removal, repair and replacement of vehicle body panels to vehicle manufacturer specification. The vehicles can include cars and light commercial vehicles. Expect a high-quality training package with excellent career prospects.

• Undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair, including safety precautions, panel preparation and body measurements
• Identify the material used in the construction to enable the correct joining techniques and manufacturer specifications to be adhered to
• Interpret relevant technical data and methods to make sure that any joints are in line with vehicle manufacturer specification and the vehicle/body panels are aligned correctly
• Ability to identify and understand the correct joining technology
• Remove, repair, and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently
• Operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process, panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, brazing tools
• Identify and communicate supplementary damage such as panels that were deemed to be reparable but once worked on were found to be beyond repair along with damage that could not be established on original inspection
• Ability to detect and rectify faults within a vehicles structure that’s integral to its safety
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping

Training

Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship Standard:

• Our training partner will deliver a high-quality Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician programme here in our state-of-the-art bodyshop
• No college attendance required
• You will work alongside a highly skilled mentor who will support you in becoming a skilled and qualified vehicle panel technician
• Level 2 maths and English Functional Skills (if not already achieved)

Apprenticeship standard: Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3)

Training provider: AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED

After your apprenticeship

• Following completion of your apprenticeship you can expect permanent employment as well as opportunities to progress into roles such as workshop controller, vehicle damage assessor or Bodyshop manager
• The opportunities are endless, having a highly regarded set of skills, apprentices can go on to develop their careers within the automotive sector following their own interests and ambitions

Working hours

Typically, 40 hours per week - working between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

40 hours a week

Duration: 2 Years 6 Months

Possible start date: 26 October 2026

Wage

£16,640 a year

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• GCSE English GCSE (grade Grade 4/C or above), desired
• GCSE Maths GCSE (grade Grade 4/C or above), desired

Things to consider

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for cars and all things automotive, who’s eager to turn that passion into a rewarding career. Someone with the patience, dedication and drive to learn, who is ready to get stuck in, develop new skills and build a future in an exciting industry.

About the employer

Market leaders in Automotive repair. From startup to acquisition, we know what it takes to be a leading and reputable repair partner, employer and server to the automotive universe.

As the industry has developed, so has our focus on utilising technology to benefit both ours and our customers requirements, streamlining the key-to-key process and enhancing the repair experience.

Our relentless focus on our people and customers is testament to the invaluable and strategic relationships we hold within the Automotive insurance sector. They are also the drivers of our core values.

Our vision is to be the automotive repair industry's benchmark for accountability, elevation, and passion. We aspire to set new standards in customer satisfaction and employee engagement by consistently delivering exceptional service, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, and infusing every interaction with a genuine passion for excellence. Through our unwavering commitment, we aim to be recognized as not just a repair service but as a trusted partner dedicated to the success and satisfaction of all those we serve.