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Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) - Smart Bodyshop Solutions, Cornwall, Ltd
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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.
What you'll do at work
As an apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor, your role will be varied and interesting - no two days will be the same!
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
Where you'll work
Unit 1E Pensilva Industrial Estate, St. Ive Road, Pensilva Liskeard PL14 5RE
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED
Training course
Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)
What you'll learn
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, on-line databases
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Training schedule
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
Once the apprenticeship is complete, you will achieve a Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification in Vehicle Damage Assessor
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English GCSE (grade Grade 4/C or above)
- Maths GCSE (grade 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.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised. Keen to support others as a cooperative team member and eager to learn, with a genuine passion for cars and all things automotive.
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SMART Bodyshop Solutions Group Ltd is the UK’s Largest Independent Fleet Repair Network providing an efficient turnaround time with value for money vehicle body repairs.
SMART Bodyshop Solutions at Cornwall offers a complete vehicle, LCV and HGV body repair solution. Our operations facility, offering a firm focus on quality repairs, cycle time and a Key-to-Key service.
The group operate to BS10125 British Kitemark Standards and focus on the individual needs of our customers. An excellent team of highly trained technicians use a forward-thinking production model. This sets SMART Bodyshop Solutions' performance ahead of the competition, creating a Win-Win for all clients.
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
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED
Jo Jones
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033765.
Closes on Thursday 3 September 2026.
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