Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) - C.A.R.S Kidderminster Ltd t/a Smart Bodyshop Solutions

C.A.R.S Kidderminster Ltd t/a Smart Bodyshop Solutions

KIDDERMINSTER (DY10 1HT)

Closes on Thursday 18 June 2026

Posted on 12 May 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

£16,640 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)
Hours
Typically Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 29 June 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

WHITEHOUSE ROAD
KIDDERMINSTER
DY10 1HT

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

SMART Bodyshop Solutions Group Ltd is the UK’s Largest Independent Fleet Repair Network providing an efficient turnaround time with value for money vehicle body repairs.

SMART Bodyshop Solutions at Kidderminster offers a complete vehicle, LCV and HGV body repair solution. At our 12,500 sq ft Kidderminster facility, offering a firm focus on quality repairs, cycle time and a Key-to-Key service.

The group operate to BS10125 British Kitemark Standards and focus on the individual needs of our customers. An excellent team of highly trained technicians at Kidderminster use a forward-thinking production model. This sets SMART Bodyshop Solutions' performance ahead of the competition, creating a Win-Win for all clients.

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

Jo Jones

Joanne@auto-assessltd.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031139.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 18 June 2026