Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprentice - Bury St Edmunds

DRIVE MOTOR RETAIL LIMITED

Cotton Ln, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds (IP33 1XP)

Closes in 21 days (Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 5 October 2026

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Summary

As an apprentice vehicle damage panel technician, you will work as part of a highly skilled work force that is committed to quality. The successful candidate can expect a high-quality training package with excellent career prospects. You will be repairing accident damage to vehicle panels etc.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 9 November 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

  • 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

Cotton Ln, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds
IP33 1XP

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

  • 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 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician apprenticeship standard

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

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

About this employer

With a turnover of approximately £250 million per annum and over 700 members of staff employed in 13 dealerships and one dedicated service centre across the country, giving the business both a national presence and a local community spirit. Representing Vauxhall, MG and Citroen we offer a wide range of new cars and vans whilst providing a variety of used and manufacturer approved vehicles to suit any need or price range.

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

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • 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

Sim Yoxen

sim@auto-assessltd.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057132.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11:59pm)