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Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA)
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Vehicle Damage Assessor
As a Vehicle Damage Assessor, you will be inspecting and assessing accident-damaged vehicles. You will learn skills to appraise and compile accurate estimates. Researching repair methods to work out the correct and safe repair required for each individual vehicle and using specialist software to produce work instructions and costings.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
Typically, duties will include:
- Inspecting and assessing accident-damaged vehicles
- Researching repair methods to work out the correct and safe repair required for each individual vehicle
- Using specialist software to produce work instructions and costings
- Liaise with technical colleagues, customers and insurance companies to negotiate the repair
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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Course Contents
- Recognise properties of different types of vehicle damage
- Maintain records
- Use manual and digital image technology
- Locate vehicle unique identification details
- Diagnose safety faults on vehicles
- Read, adhere to and apply relevant legislation
- Use repair methods
- Make judgements on vehicle damage, taking into account safety and cost
- Commercial decision making
- Prepare costings based on parts and labour ratios
- Oral communication, listening and negotiation skills
- Use industry guidelines appropriately
- Recognises importance of gaining approval before work commences
- Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, online databases
Our training partner will deliver a high-quality programme here in our state-of-the-art body shop alongside a highly skilled mentor - both will support you in becoming a skilled and qualified vehicle damage assessor.
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Once the apprenticeship is complete, you will achieve a Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification in Vehicle Damage Assessor.
Essential Qualifications:
- GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C or above)
- Maths (grade 4/C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay.
Following completion of your apprenticeship, you can expect permanent employment as well as opportunities to progress into roles such as Workshop Controller or Bodyshop Manager.
The opportunities are endless. Having a highly regarded set of skills, apprentices can go on to develop their careers within the automotive sector, following their own interests and ambitions.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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