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Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

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Are you curious about cars, enjoy hands-on work, and want to get paid while learning?
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!
What you'll do at work
As an Apprentice Vehicle Damage Panel Technician, you'll assist and learn across a variety of tasks in panel, 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
Where you'll work
Units 1 & 2
Magnet Road
West Thurrock
Grays
RM20 4DP
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
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.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
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 provider
THATCHAM RESEARCH
Training course
Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair, including safety precautions, panel preparation and body measurements.
- Ability to identify the material used in the construction to enable the correct joining techniques and manufacturer specifications to be adhered to.
- Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to make sure that any joints are in line with vehicle manufacturer specification and the vehicle/body panels are aligned correctly
- Ability to identify and understand the correct joining technology, e.g. when to use resistance spot welding or mig brazing or bonding.
- Ability to remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently
- Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process, panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, brazing tools.
- Ability to identify and communicate supplementary damage such as panels that were deemed to be reparable but once worked on were found to be beyond repair along with damage that could not be established on original inspection.
- Ability to detect and rectify faults within a vehicles structure that’s integral to its safety


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Training schedule
Your training will take place both at your workplace and Thatcham Research Automotive Academy, Daytona Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4NR.
Desirable 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.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
FMG Repair Services are the UK’s leading accident repair services group, with opportunities in our repair centres, Mobile Repair and Motorglass teams throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
We recognise our people are our greatest asset - central to our success - with our team working in a diverse range of roles and locations nationwide.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. After completing the apprenticeship, you may have the opportunity to continue with the company in a permanent role and develop your career.
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