Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) - Fix Auto Dagenham

Fix Auto Dagenham

Dagenham (RM10 8XE)

Closes on Thursday 5 March 2026

Posted on 26 January 2026

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Summary

As a Vehicle Damage Assessor, you will be inspecting and assessing accident-damaged vehicles. You will learn skills to appraise and compile accurate estimates. Researching repair methods to work out the correct and safe repair required for each individual vehicle and using specialist software to produce work instructions and costings.

Wage

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

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course
Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)
Hours
Typically Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 23 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

As an apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor, your role will be varied and interesting - no two days will be the same! Typically, duties will include: 

  • Inspecting and assessing accident-damaged vehicles
  • Researching repair methods to work out the correct and safe repair required for each individual vehicle
  • Using specialist software to produce work instructions and costings
  • Liaise with technical colleagues, customers and insurance companies to negotiate the repair

Where you'll work

429-431 Rainham Road South
Dagenham
RM10 8XE

Training

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

Training provider

AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED

Training course

Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Recognise properties of different types of vehicle damage
  • Maintain records
  • Use manual and digital image technology
  • Locate vehicle unique identification details
  • Diagnose safety faults on vehicles
  • Read, adhere to and apply relevant legislation
  • Use repair methods
  • Make judgements on vehicle damage, taking into account safety and cost
  • Commercial decision making
  • Prepare costings based on parts and labour ratios
  • Oral communication, listening and negotiation skills
  • Use industry guidelines appropriately
  • Recognises importance of gaining approval before work commences
  • Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, on-line databases
  • Recognise properties of different types of vehicle damage
  • Maintain records
  • Use manual and digital image technology
  • Locate vehicle unique identification details
  • Diagnose safety faults on vehicles
  • Read, adhere to and apply relevant legislation
  • Use repair methods
  • Make judgements on vehicle damage, taking into account safety and cost
  • Commercial decision making
  • Prepare costings based on parts and labour ratios
  • Oral communication, listening and negotiation skills
  • Use industry guidelines appropriately
  • Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, on-line databases

Training schedule

  • Our training partner will deliver a high-quality programme here in our state-of-the-art body shop alongside a highly skilled mentor - both will support you in becoming a skilled and qualified vehicle damage assessor
  • Once the apprenticeship is complete, you will achieve a Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification in Vehicle Damage Assessor

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Today, the ever-growing Fix Auto UK network currently stands at more than 120 repair centres spanning the entire UK, but the foundations for the multi-award-winning vehicle repair network were laid down when Fix Auto Dagenham became the first to sign up to the concept initiated in Canada. That was in 2005 and the business, headed by Directors Paul Cunningham and Neil Parker, has grown and developed beyond all recognition.  

Such is the quality of both workmanship and the high level of customer service delivered by the team, never an industry awards event will pass by without an accolade or two being won by the East London repairer. 

Housed in three adjoining buildings spanning 10,500 sq ft of workspace with ample secure car parking, as the name suggests the vehicle repair centre is situated under the shadow Dagenham & Redbridge FC’s ground just off Rainham Road South. 

With the capacity to repair more than 2,600 vehicles annually, like all Fix Auto UK vehicle repairers the business holds the prestigious BS10125 accreditation which provides the ultimate confidence that all repairs are carried out to the highest British Standards and as such ensures all car accident repairs, dent removals, dent repairs, bumper repairs, wheel alignment and wheel tracking are repaired or rectified to the highest standards.  

The team at the car body shop specialises in all car accident repairs, paintless dent removals and paintless dent repairs and effortlessly correct those annoying car scratches and door dinks caused in supermarket car parks!  They also have the facilities to re-gas air conditioning systems.  

https://fixauto.com/uk/en/shop/fixauto-dagenham/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Following completion of your apprenticeship, you can expect permanent employment as well as opportunities to progress into roles such as Workshop Controller 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

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010626.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 5 March 2026