Apprentice Vehicle Damage Paint Technician

Summary

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!

Wage

£17,728.62 a year

Training course

Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)

Hours

Hours: Monday to Friday (Varied between 08:00 and 17:00).

40 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

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 Paint Technician, you'll assist and learn across a variety of tasks in the paint shop, including:

• Preparing vehicle panels for painting through filling, sanding and masking
• Mixing and colour matching paint to achieve a high-quality finish
• Applying primers, basecoats and finishing coats using spray equipment
• Finishing painted vehicles by polishing, touching up and removing masking materials
• Learning approved repair methods to ensure work meets manufacturer and BS10125 quality 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

Portside North
Ellesmere Port
CH65 2HQ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THATCHAM RESEARCH

Training course

Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc
• Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc
• Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application
• Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
• Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment

Training schedule

Your training will take place both at your workplace and Thatcham Research Automotive Academy, Daytona Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4NR.

Requirements

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