Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician - OC Motor Repair, Reading

O C MOTOR REPAIR LIMITED

Berkshire (RG2 0QX)

Closes on Thursday 30 April 2026

Posted on 19 March 2026

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Summary

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.

• Wage:

  £16,640 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)

  Annual Leave - 20 days + BH’s with an Increase of 1 day per year after 2 years’ service up to 5 extra days.

• Training course: Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3)
• Hours: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm. with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break

  40 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 11 May 2026

• Duration:

  2 years 6 months

• 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

• 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

Where you'll work

20 to 22 Bennet Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG2 0QX

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 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

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)

More training information

There is a physical element to automotive repair, including lifting, pulling and using kinetic tools such as hammers and compressed air devices.

Requirements

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

Other requirements

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised.  Keen to support others as a cooperative team member and eager to learn, with a genuine passion for cars and all things automotive.

About this employer

OC Motor Repairs Ltd is an accident repair centre that is part of the One Call Group of Companies. It has been established for over 10 years and is a group of insurance approved vehicle repair centres, working to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained. We specialise in car body repairs and accident crash repairs.

What began as a small, specialist repair operation has grown into a nationwide accident‑repair centre network trusted by motorists and insurers alike. Over 19 years of trading, we’ve invested in people, training and technology so we can handle today’s body, paint and safety‑system requirements with the same care and precision we’re known for.

Skilled technicians
Our team brings hands‑on experience, ongoing training and a practical, no‑jargon approach. From structural repairs and panel alignment to paint matching and refinishing, you get careful workmanship backed by clear communication.
Built for modern vehicles (including EVs)
We’re fully equipped for today’s cars, vans and EVs—specialist isolation procedures, battery‑safe bays, and the right diagnostic tools. That extends to ADAS resets and calibration, computerised alignment, and the latest refinishing systems for a durable, like‑new result.
Manufacturer‑aligned methods
We follow approved processes and reference manufacturer data for geometry, camera/radar calibration and repair techniques—so safety systems behave predictably and the finish stands the test of time.

https://ocmotorrepairs.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Full training with strong management support, promotion opportunities, optional £1k+ lottery, charity events, monthly star rewards, extra leave after 2 years, pension scheme, annual events, free uniform, monthly bonus incentives

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, 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

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED

Jo Jones

joanne@auto-assessltd.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000022063.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 30 April 2026