Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

GDL AUTOMOTIVE LTD

SPRINGVIEW (WN3 4TZ)

Closes in 22 days (Friday 27 March 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 3 March 2026

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Summary

GDL Automotive Ltd based in Wigan have an exciting opportunity for an apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician to join their busy workshop. 

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course
Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 30 March 2026

Duration

3 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

The apprentice will work as part of a team completing tasks such as: 

  •  Initially shadowing other members of staff in a learning and supporting role
  • Assessing a vehicle's damage
  • Selecting and using the correct tools and equipment for vehicle body repairs
  • Removing and replacing Panels - exterior and non-permanently fixed
  • Removing and replacing structural vehicle body panels
  • Completing minor repairs to vehicle body panels
  • Learning how to Spot and MAG weld

Where you'll work

THE GARAGE
MARSDEN STREET
OFF TAYLORS LANE
SPRINGVIEW
WN3 4TZ

Training

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

Training provider

BOLTON COLLEGE

Training course

Vehicle damage panel 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, including safety precautions, panel preparation and body measurements.
  • Ability to identify the material used in the construction to enable the correct joining techniques and manufacturer specifications to be adhered to.
  • Ability 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, e.g. when to use resistance spot welding or mig brazing or bonding.
  • Ability to remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently
  • Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process, panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, brazing tools.
  • Ability to 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

Training schedule

Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Level 3.

The apprentice will work 4-days per week at the employer's workplace (WN3 4AY) and attend 1-day (6-hours) per week at Bolton College (BL3 5BG).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • english (grade 4-9)
  • maths (grade 4-9)

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
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working

About this employer

G.D.L are a well established Body & Paint work repair shop that specializes in all aspects of commercial vehicle repairs.

We have been situated in the area of Wigan for over 15 years with a large clientele over the UK.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide a professional and speedy service at all times, whilst maintaining the highest quality of work.

After this apprenticeship

On completion of the qualification and apprenticeship there might be the opportunity to progress to full-time employment with the company, or to a higher-level apprenticeship.  

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BOLTON COLLEGE

gary

gary.mangan@boltoncc.ac.uk

07891807841

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017441.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Friday 27 March 2026 at 11:59pm)