Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) - K J Rule & Son Ltd, St Austell, Cornwall

K J RULE & SON LIMITED

ST AUSTELL (PL26 7YW)

Closes on Thursday 26 March 2026

Posted on 20 February 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

£17,160 a year

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Training course
Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)
Hours
Typically, Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 5.00pm - 28 days annual leave - inclusive of Bank Holidays

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 6 April 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

HILLS FARM
NANPEAN
ST AUSTELL
PL26 7YW

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

Other requirements

Genuine passion for all things automotive, with a strong focus on quality of workmanship.

About this employer

Fixing cars is more than a job for us. Our founder Keith has loved tinkering with cars since he was a young boy, and his passion has inspired everything KJ Rule has done since.

As an independent family business, we truly care. Not just about the vehicles we work on, but about delivering exceptional service to every one of our valued customers.

We take pride in every job we perform, and don’t settle for anything less than excellence. We take the craft of automotive repair seriously – so you can expect every repair to be done right, and every finish to be flawless. Working with extraordinary care and attention to deliver a manufacturer-standard finish. With our BS10125 accreditation, a mark of quality and safety, and our customer-centred ethos we are a company you can count on.

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

Company benefits

  • Free Onsite Parking 
  • Employee Wellbeing Programme

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 VAC2000016931.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 26 March 2026