Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

Apprenticeship Central Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Life assurance (x2 salary)

Pension & save-as-you-earn share plan

Well-being services (GP, mental health

Health & Travel Insurance

Stream App for pay and benefits

Job summary

FMG Repair Services in Exeter is offering an Apprenticeship Central–hosted position for an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician. You’ll train hands-on in a bodyshop, gain a Level 3 qualification, and start with £8.50 per hour in year 1, with increases from year 2 onward.

No prior experience needed beyond curiosity and dedication. You’ll work Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00, with block-release training and a workplace mentor to guide you.

Qualifications

• GCSE English – Grade 4/C or above.
• GCSE Maths – Grade 4/C or above.

Responsibilities

• Repairing, removing and replacing vehicle body panels to manufacturer standards.
• Learning to repair both structural and non-structural vehicle damage.
• Carrying out panel alignment and using welding, bonding and mechanical fastening techniques.
• Following approved repair methods to ensure repairs meet quality and safety standards.
• Maintaining tools, equipment and a clean, safe working environment.
• Working alongside experienced technicians while developing practical skills.
• Communicating effectively with the team and contributing to a positive working environment.

Education

GCSE English (4/C or above)

GCSE Maths (4/C or above)

Job description

Location: Exeter Airport Industrial Estate, Long Ln, Exeter EX5 2LJ

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 Panel Technician to join a supportive bodyshop team in Exeter. 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 Panel 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

• Repairing, removing and replacing vehicle body panels to manufacturer standards
• Learning to repair both structural and non-structural vehicle damage
• Carrying out panel alignment and using a range of repair techniques, including welding, bonding and mechanical fastening
• Following approved repair methods to ensure repairs meet quality and safety 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 solving problems
• A reliable team player with good communication skills
• Organised, with good attention to detail and a positive attitude
• Committed to working safely and producing high-quality work
• 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.

For more information about the official apprenticeship standard, visit: Skills England