Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor - Steer Automotive Group (Haverhill)

STEER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP LIMITED

Haverhill (CB9 8PB)

Closes in 16 days (Friday 29 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 14 July 2025

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Summary

We are seeking a well organised apprentice who can work well within our vehicle damage assessment team. You will be using the latest electronic estimating software to populate accurate vehicle accident repair costings whilst making use of manual and digital image technology to record areas of identified damage for our extensive range of customers.

Wage

£17,667 to £28,571.40, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course
Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm (inclusive of 1 x 30-minute lunch break) Total hours per week: 45

45 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

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

  • Appraise a damaged vehicle to identify and record damage
  • Identify non-accident-related damage 
  • Make use of manual and digital image technology to record areas of identified damage
  • Accurate recording of vehicle data
  • Identify and evaluate condition of safety related systems
  • Access industry and vehicle repair methods while applying them appropriately
  • Differentiate between repair over replacement of repair
  • Apply accurate opinion times for method and duration of repair
  • Assess the cost and duration of repair
  • Discuss findings with both the insured and insurers
  • Listen to views, opinions and feedback while responding to concerns
  • Assess the current market value of the vehicle using approved manufacturers guides
  • Obtain authorisation from insurers and the insured to proceed with the repairs while confirming costs
  • Interpret and accurately apply estimating and business software

Where you'll work

13 Rookwood Way
Haverhill
CB9 8PB

Training

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

Training provider

THATCHAM RESEARCH

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

  • I.M.I9 Institute of the Motor Industry, Level 4 Vehicle Damage Assessment 
  • The "Off the Job" training is primarily carried out by Thatcham Academy via 8 one-week block
  • Travel and accommodation during the block training is arranged by Steer Automotive Group

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 4)
  • Mathematics (grade 4)

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

Steer Automotive Group are one of the fastest growing and progressive Accident Repair Groups in the UK, with sustained growth and continuous investment in the latest technology and training. This role will be an integral part of the site and you will be trained to work to the highest standards and develop a commitment to complete quality from start to finish.

http://www.steer.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Fully qualified VDA position
  • Gateway to higher roles and responsibility within the group e.g. assistant manager/site manager

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

STEER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP LIMITED

Jim Swann

academy@steer.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000331353.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 29 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

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