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Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA)

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Vehicle Damage Assessor Apprenticeship
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.
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
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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, online databases
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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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About SMART Bodyshop Solutions Group Ltd
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 Exeter 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 operates to BS10125 British Kitemark Standards and focuses 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
Contact
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED
Jo Jones
Joanne@auto-assessltd.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000034188.
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