Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician - HARDINGS ARC, Dunstable
Hardings Accident Repair Centre
Dunstable (LU6 1BD)
Closes on Thursday 30 April 2026
Posted on 18 March 2026
Contents
Summary
As an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician, you will work as part of a highly skilled workforce that is committed to quality, preparing, spraying and finishing vehicles that have been involved in collisions and other incidents. The successful candidate can expect a high-quality training package with excellent career prospects.
- Wage
-
£16,640 a year
- Training course
- Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Typically 40 hours between - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Sunday 31 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
- Repair of minor scratches and dents
- Preparation of new and repaired panels for refinishing
- Preparing vehicle surfaces for masking and priming
- Paint refinishing techniques, paint detailing
- Paint detailing and buffing
- Polishing the paintwork of the panel to a suitable finish
Where you'll work
Unit 5 Lawrence Industrial Estate
Lawrence Way
Dunstable
LU6 1BD
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 paint 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 e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc
- Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc
- Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application
- Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
- Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment
Training schedule
- Our training partner will deliver a high-quality programme onsite in our bodyshop alongside a highly skilled mentor, who will support you in becoming a skilled and qualified vehicle paint technician
- Once the apprenticeship is complete, you will achieve a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard Vehicle Damage Paint Technician
- Level 2 maths and English Functional Skills for all apprentices aged 16-18 at start (if not already achieved)
- An option to complete Level 2 maths and English Functional Skills for all apprentices aged 19+ at start (if not already achieved)
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C or above)
- Maths (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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
We would like the successful candidate to possess qualities such as:
- A genuine passion for cars and all things automotive
- Eagerness to learn (curiosity, asking questions, adaptability)
- The ambition to excel in their role and integrate well into a team by demonstrating both technical and professional potential
- A strong work ethic (punctuality, reliability, initiative)
About this employer
Established in 2004, Hardings ARC in Dunstable delivers manufacturer-approved accident repairs with honesty and care. Backed by over 17 years of expertise, we provide free estimates, courtesy vehicles, and non-fault claim support across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire—getting you safely back on the road.
Over the years, we have grown into one of the region’s leading accident repair centres, known for our attention to detail and customer-first approach. We pride ourselves on offering more than just accident repairs. We deliver a complete service designed to make the process as stress-free as possible, with free estimates, clear communication, and full support throughout your claim. Our customers know they can rely on us for honest advice and dependable solutions.
We are manufacturer-approved and work with leading insurers, ensuring your vehicle is repaired to exacting standards every time. With courtesy cars, non-fault claim assistance, and award-winning customer service, choosing Hardings ARC means choosing total peace of mind
Our team combines decades of hands-on expertise with the latest manufacturer-approved repair methods and technology. This ensures every vehicle we work on is repaired to the highest safety and quality standards, restoring confidence and peace of mind for our customers. At Hardings Arc, we understand how stressful it can be when your vehicle is damaged in an accident. Whether it’s a car or a van, our team is here to provide expert advice and high-quality repairs to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
After this apprenticeship
- Following completion of your apprenticeship, you can look forward to a full-time career within the automotive industry with many opportunities to progress to positions of authority, 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 at Auto Assess
joanne@auto-assessltd.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000020574.
Apply now
Closes on Thursday 30 April 2026