Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

Apprenticeship Central Ltd; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Life assurance

Pension & share scheme

Well-being services

Stream App for pay & benefits

Job summary

FMG Repair Services in Grays is offering an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician apprenticeship. You will gain hands-on experience in the bodyshop, learn to repair panels to manufacturer standards, and work toward a Level 3 qualification over 36 months.

No prior experience required; ability to learn, curiosity, teamwork, and reliability are important. The program includes block-release training, mentoring, and career progression potential.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (4/C or above) required.
• Passionate about vehicles and eager to build a career in automotive.
• Enjoys practical hands-on work and problem solving.
• Reliable team player with good communication.
• Organised with attention to detail and safe working habits.

Responsibilities

• Repair, remove and replace vehicle body panels to manufacturer standards.
• Learn to repair structural and non-structural damage.
• Carry out panel alignment using welding, bonding and mechanical fastening.
• Follow approved repair methods ensuring quality and safety.
• Maintain tools and a clean, safe working environment.
• Work with experienced technicians to develop practical skills.
• Communicate effectively with the team and contribute to a positive environment.

Skills

Curious about cars

Hands-on learner

Team player

Good communication

Organised

Education

GCSE English & Maths 4/C+

Job description

Location: Units 1, & 2, Magnet Rd, West Thurrock, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM20 4DP

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 Grays. 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: £8.00 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

As an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician, you’ll assist and learn across a variety of tasks in the bodyshop, including:

• 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.

Application Stages

If you’re interested in this apprenticeship, you’ll begin with our pre-employment programme. This is a friendly way to complete some online tasks, learn more about the role, and see if it’s a good fit. After this, you’ll have a short telephone chat with the Apprenticeship Central Team.

Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before, we’ll guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you have.

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