Vehicle damage panel technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A vehicle damage panel technician repairs accident-damaged vehicle bodywork, straightening metal, replacing panels, and restoring vehicles to their pre-accident shape and strength. You will use specialist tools, welding equipment, and jigs to work on modern steel, aluminium, and multi-material vehicle structures. Panel technicians are in demand across the UK in independent bodyshops, manufacturer-approved centres, and fleet repair operations.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How to diagnose and measure structural and cosmetic body damage
Panel beating, shrinking, and metal straightening techniques
MIG, MIG-brazing, and resistance spot welding on vehicle structures
Manufacturer-approved repair methods for steel, aluminium, and composites
How to use body jigs, pulling systems, and measuring equipment
Understanding of vehicle geometry and chassis alignment checks
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assess damaged panels and decide on repair or replacement
Use pulling systems and dollies to straighten distorted bodywork
Cut out and weld in replacement panels to manufacturer specification
Check body alignment using measuring gauges and jigs
Prepare repaired surfaces ready for the paint technician
Complete workshop job cards and parts requisitions accurately
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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