Apprentice Paint Technician

STEER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP LIMITED

Derby (DE24 8UJ)

Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026

Posted on 2 December 2025


Summary

Apprenticeships at Steer Automotive Group offer a great opportunity to open the pathway for a life-long career in the accident repair industry.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday between 8am – 4.30pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 1 March 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Working under direct supervision at all times to achieve full competence and qualification
  • Accurately and skilfully assess all aspects of the motor vehicle body repair
  • Detect and diagnose any additional faults for further repair
  • Ensure all work is completed safely and complies with manufacturer and British Standard industry guidelines
  • Identify and evaluate condition of safety related systems and any action required, applying H&S car related current legislation to do so (e.g. air bags, tyres etc)
  • Differentiate between items that need repairing and items that need replacement
  • Apply accurate and appropriate opinion times for method and duration for repair
  • Assess the cost and duration of a repair
  • Discuss damage and repairs with a range of stakeholders (vehicle owners, insurance companies, colleagues and managers), listening to their view, responding to concerns and negotiating using evidence-based reasoning
  • Assess the current market value of vehicle using industry proprietary guides
  • Obtain authorisation from the Client/Customer to proceed with repair to a vehicle and confirm the cost of the repair (if appropriate for the workplace)
  • Interpret and accurately apply estimating software system

Where you'll work

44 Longbridge Lane
Derby
DE24 8UJ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THATCHAM RESEARCH

Training course

Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc
  • Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc
  • Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application
  • Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
  • Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Mathematics (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

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

About this employer

Steer Automotive Group are one of the fastest growing and progressive Accident Repair Groups in the UK, with sustained growth and continuous investment in the latest technology and training. This role will be an integral part of the site and you will be trained to work to the highest standards and develop a commitment to complete quality from start to finish.

Company benefits

29 days holiday, including public holidays, plus additional days with service. Pension contributions.

After this apprenticeship

Qualified Paint Technician with scope to move into more senior roles/management.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THATCHAM RESEARCH

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000003414.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026

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