Apprentice Vehicle Bodyshop Technician

Waitrose & Partners; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals to join their apprenticeship program as Vehicle Bodyshop Technicians. This exciting opportunity allows you to learn essential skills in vehicle repair, working alongside experienced mentors in a state-of-the-art workshop. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience in body repair techniques and safety compliance while enjoying a supportive learning environment. With a commitment to quality and professional development, this role offers a pathway to becoming a fully qualified Technician, with competitive pay rates and excellent benefits. If you have a keen interest in the vehicle industry and are ready to embark on a rewarding career, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Partnership discount after three months

Discounted cinema tickets

Discounted rates on holidays

Work-life balance initiatives

Flexible working options

Parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Essential skills include English and Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4.
• A strong interest in the commercial vehicle/vehicle industry is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn body repair techniques including refitting body panels and trims.
• Maintain tools and equipment, ensuring safety and cleanliness.

Skills

English GCSE Grade C or Level 4

Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4

Interest in commercial vehicles

Job description

About the role

Do you have a passion for vehicles and want to understand how to maintain and repair them? This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a highly skilled workforce that is committed to quality. You will train as a qualified Vehicle Bodyshop Technician, learning how to repair vehicles involved in collisions or other incidents, 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'll work Monday to Friday, 8am - 4:00pm. From year 2 onwards, you'll 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

This programme aims to equip our Apprentices with skills to repair all elements of our vehicle fleet, from minor damages to major structural repairs. You will work with mentors and supervisors to learn body repair techniques, including refitting body panels and trims, welding, and body alignment. You will also be responsible for maintaining tools and equipment, ensuring safety and cleanliness in compliance with health and safety regulations.

For more details, see the attached job outline.

Apprenticeship Training

Training is delivered both on-site and through 7-week training blocks at S&B's Automotive Academy in Bristol. Apprentices will travel and stay in hotel accommodation, with all costs covered by the Partnership.

You will have a workplace and college mentor providing support and guidance, monitoring progress via an electronic logbook accessible at any time.

Apprentices will undertake Gateway Assessments annually, progressing toward the End Point Assessment. The apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years, culminating in a Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Level 3 qualification.

Upon completion, you will become a fully qualified Technician, with shifts aligned to the Workshop's schedule, potentially across any of the three shifts.

Essential skills you'll need

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

Benefits

• Partnership discount after three months: 25% in John Lewis & Partners (excluding electrical products), 20% in Waitrose & Partners, and the ability to share your discount with a household member.
• Discounted cinema tickets and VIP suites at the O2 arena
• Discounted rates on holidays at John Lewis Partnership hotels
• Work-life balance initiatives, flexible working, and parental leave policies

More benefits can be found here: https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/

About The Partnership

We are the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We're committed to building a happier world through innovation, diversification, and excellent service, with a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity.

Important points to note

Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and possibly financial probity checks. Apply promptly, as vacancies may close early due to high demand. We support flexible working arrangements; discuss options with the hiring manager during your interview.