Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician

Apprenticeship Central; Ilkeston; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Free life assurance (x2 basic salary)

Pension & save-as-you-earn share plan

Well-being services (GP, mental health

Health & dental plans

Stream App for pay advances

Job summary

FMG Repair Services is offering an Apprenticeship as a Vehicle Damage Paint Technician in the UK. The 36-month program includes hands-on training, mentorship, and progression opportunities within the bodyshop environment.

You will learn to prepare panels, mix colours, apply primers and finishes, and maintain a safe, efficient paint shop. No prior experience required—curiosity and a willingness to learn are valued.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
• Enthusiastic about learning and developing new skills.
• Able to travel to the workplace reliably.

Responsibilities

• Preparing vehicle panels for painting through filling, sanding and masking.
• Mixing and colour matching paint to achieve a high-quality finish.
• Applying primers, basecoats and finishing coats using spray equipment.
• Finishing painted vehicles by polishing, touching up and removing masking materials.
• Learning approved repair methods to ensure work meets manufacturer and BS10125 quality standards.
• Maintaining tools, equipment and a clean, safe working environment.
• Communicating effectively with your team and contributing to a positive working environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSE English (Grade 4/C or above)

GCSE Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Spray equipment

Job description

About The Role

Are you curious about cars, enjoy hands-on work, and want to get paid while learning? An apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career in the automotive industry.

Apprenticeship Central are recruiting an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician to join a supportive bodyshop team. You'll gain practical skills, hands-on experience, and a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn!

Apprenticeship Details

Duration: 36 months

Pay: £8.50 per hour in year 1, rising to the national wage for your age from year 2

Hours: Monday to Friday (Varied between 08:00-17:00)

Training & Support

• Block-release training with an apprenticeship provider every six weeks
• On-the-job guidance from an experienced team and allocated workplace mentor
• Visits from a training provider coach every 6–8 weeks
• Additional support from a RETAIN Manager at Apprenticeship Central

Why this apprenticeship is great / Where it can take you:

You'll learn a range of technical skills, gain hands-on experience across multiple disciplines, and receive ongoing support to help you succeed. After completing the apprenticeship, you may have the opportunity to continue with the company in a permanent role and develop your career as a Vehicle Damage Paint Technician.

Company Benefits

• Start with 23 days annual leave, of course, you'll have public holidays too and an extra day off to celebrate your birthday!
• Free life assurance (x2 your basic salary)
• Pension & save-as-you-earn share scheme
• Well-being services (incl. 24/7 GP service, mental health support and physiotherapy + Health Cash Plan, Dental Plan & Travel Insurance)
• Stream App for all our colleagues – a Financial Wellbeing app that gives you more control over your pay. Not only does it let you choose when to get paid it also lets you put money aside each month and in addition you can get discounts on your shopping, check what benefits you're eligible for and can even put you in touch with a financial coach!

What You'll Do

As an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician, you'll assist and learn across a variety of tasks in the paint shop, including:

• Preparing vehicle panels for painting through filling, sanding and masking
• Mixing and colour matching paint to achieve a high-quality finish
• Applying primers, basecoats and finishing coats using spray equipment
• Finishing painted vehicles by polishing, touching up and removing masking materials
• Learning approved repair methods to ensure work meets manufacturer and BS10125 quality standards
• Maintaining tools, equipment and a clean, safe working environment
• Working alongside experienced technicians while developing your practical skills
• Communicating effectively with your team and contributing to a positive working environment

Requirements

• GCSE (or equivalent) English – Grade 4/C or above
• GCSE (or equivalent) Maths – Grade 4/C or above

About You

• Passionate about vehicles and eager to build a career in the automotive industry
• Enthusiastic about learning and developing new skills
• Enjoys practical, hands-on work and takes pride in producing high-quality work
• A reliable team player with good communication skills
• Organised, with excellent attention to detail and a positive attitude
• Committed to working safely and following company procedures
• Able to travel reliably to and from the workplace

About The Company

FMG Repair Services is one of the UK's leading and largest group of accident repair centres. Offering quality, speed and value for all aspects of vehicle repair, you will find us in or near most cities in the UK.

Our business isn't just about fixing cars – it's about caring for customers, getting their vehicles back on the road with the minimum amount of fuss and the maximum amount of care.