Apprentice Vehicle Bodyshop Technician

John Lewis Partnership; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Vehicle Bodyshop Technician apprentice! This exciting opportunity allows you to learn from skilled mentors while working on vehicle repairs, from minor damages to complex structural fixes. With a focus on quality and safety, you’ll gain hands-on experience and complete a Level 3 qualification in just three years. Enjoy a supportive environment with numerous benefits, including discounts and flexible working arrangements. If you’re passionate about vehicles and eager to kickstart your career, this apprenticeship is perfect for you!

Benefits

25% discount at John Lewis

20% discount at Waitrose

Discounted cinema tickets

Holiday discounts

Flexible working

Funding for courses

Pension & Life Assurance

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Interest in the vehicle industry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Learn to repair vehicles involved in collisions.
• Maintain tools and equipment, ensuring safety.

Skills

English GCSE

Maths GCSE

Interest in vehicle industry

Education

GCSE Grade C or Level 4

Tools

Welding equipment

Body repair tools

Job description

Do you have a passion for vehicles and want to learn how to maintain and repair them? This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly skilled workforce committed to quality. You will train as a Vehicle Bodyshop Technician, learning how to repair vehicles involved in collisions or other incidents. This includes ensuring the finish meets the Partnership’s standards.

At a glance

This role is based at our Vehicle Workshop at Waitrose Distribution Centre in Bracknell, Berkshire.

This is a permanent position with a starting pay rate of £12.45 per hour. During the first year of your apprenticeship, you will work Monday to Friday, 8am - 4:00pm. From year 2 onwards, you will work flexibly across all shifts to gain a broader understanding of the operation.

We are recruiting candidates to start in August 2025.

Pay rate breakdown

• Starting Pay Rate - £12.45 per hour
• On passing year 1 exams - £12.80 per hour
• On passing year 2 exams - £13.50 per hour
• On completing the Apprenticeship - £16.15 per hour

About the role

The programme aims to equip apprentices with skills to repair all elements of our vehicle fleet, from minor damage to complex structural repairs. You will work closely with mentors and supervisors to learn all aspects of body repair, including refitting body panels, welding, and body alignment. You will also maintain tools and equipment, ensuring they are safe and in good condition, following health and safety regulations.

Training is delivered both on-the-job and through seven week-long training blocks annually at S&B’s Automotive Academy in Bristol. Apprentices will travel and stay in hotel accommodation, with costs paid by the Partnership.

You will have a workplace and college mentor supporting you throughout, monitoring your progress via S&B’s electronic logbook accessible anytime.

The apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years, culminating in a Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Level 3 qualification. After completion, you will become a fully qualified Technician, working shifts that match the Workshop’s schedule, potentially on any of our three shifts.

Essential skills required

• English and Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4
• A proven interest in the commercial vehicle/vehicle industry

Benefits

After three months, Partners receive discounts in store and online: 25% off at John Lewis & Partners (excluding some electrical products) and 20% off at Waitrose & Partners. You can also nominate someone you live with to share your discount.

Other benefits include discounted cinema tickets, VIP suites at the O2 arena, holiday discounts at John Lewis Partnership hotels, work-life balance initiatives, flexible working, and our leading parental leave policy. Find out more at https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/.

The Partnership

We’re the UK’s largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to building a happier world, focusing on innovation, quality, and service. As Partners, we share ownership and success, working together with kindness, respect, and embracing diversity to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Important points to note

• Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. You will be informed if this applies to you.
• Apply early as vacancies may close early due to high interest.
• We support flexible working arrangements; discuss options with the hiring manager.

This role will be based in our workshop, distribution centre, or head office, depending on the assignment.

Additional benefits

• Funding for courses up to £250 annually
• Partner discounts
• Clubs & Societies
• Holiday and leave benefits
• Pension & Life Assurance

Our Partner Networks

• Ability: Disability inclusion initiatives
• Unity: BAME Network
• Faith & Belief: FAB
• Linkages: Intergenerational workforce
• Pride: LGBTQ+ support
• Working Parents
• Care Experience & Carers Networks

Did you know?

Hugh Alexander, former Head of GCHQ, worked as Head of Research for the Partnership in 1938, collaborating with Alan Turing on cryptanalysis.

How To Apply

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