Citygate Watford Volkswagen Bodyshop Paint Technician Apprenticeship

Programme name Body Refinishing Framework (Level 3)
Throughout Volkswagen we have a rigorous commitment to quality and excellence. Our products are highly acclaimed, our processes for distribution and support services are world class and we have some of the most technologically advanced resources in any industry.

The Volkswagen Apprenticeship Programme is designed to train and develop apprentices to keep pace with advancing technology and high levels of customer service. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to receive formal qualifications through extensive product training whilst in full-time employment at one of our retailers.

Job description
Volkswagen Group (VWG) is one of the UK’s largest car retailers encompassing premium brands such as Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, TPS, Volkswagen Group Paint and Body and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Our network of Volkswagen Group approved Paint and Body centres delivers a first class service to customers using teams of highly trained experts and the same paint, parts and materials that are used at our factories.

Our apprenticeship programme gives you the opportunity to become part of this network, working within an approved body shop and receiving world class training from our industry experts.

Our Paint Technicians work within the Volkswagen Group Approved Repairer network to help return our customers vehicles back to factory standards following accidents including bumps and scrapes. This means that our customer’s vehicles will become as good as new.

Paint Technicians are responsible for preparing vehicles to be painted after damage has occurred or once panels have been replaced. This will include repairing minor scratches to match the rest of the vehicle. Some of the day-to-day duties include:

Ensuring all parts have been stripped from the vehicle in order for it to be painted.
Sanding down relevant area and adjoining area for blending.
Masking out areas to be treated.
Etching and priming areas to be treated.
Selecting matching and mixing colours using the approved Volkswagen Group colour palette.
Spray painting panels or vehicle parts using a variety of techniques to ensure a factory standard finish.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join our team and embark on a long term career, with excellent earning and progression opportunities once you complete your apprenticeship.

Training provided

Training will be delivered using a combination of virtual classroom remote learning and face-to-face block release weeks at our state-of-the-art training centre.

Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to the Inspiro Learning Centre, in Doncaster, to complete their apprenticeship training. All training-related costs are fully covered as part of the programme, including travel, accommodation, and meals.

In the workplace, your personal, dedicated mentor will support your continued learning as you apply the skills and knowledge you have gained through the remote sessions and at the Inspiro Learning Centre.

This is a fully rounded training experience where you will build life skills that last and gain both apprenticeship qualifications and brand certifications.

Qualifications received

On successful completion of the three-year apprenticeship programme, you will receive the following qualification (or the equivalent qualification for your devolved nation):

Level 3 Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprenticeship
Brand certifications

Future prospects

Volkswagen Group (VWG) is one of the UK’s largest car retailers encompassing premium brands such as Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, TPS, Volkswagen Group Paint and Body and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This network of retailers spans the UK, providing a wide range of career opportunities.

Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will continue your learning journey and you will have the opportunity drive your career forward. Some of our apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers within the retail network or even joined our team at Head Office in Milton Keynes.

Qualifications required
GCSE grades 9 – 4 (A – C) or equivalent in any three-subject area.

In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve Scottish National 5 Grades A - C or above in any three subjects.  

'Equivalent' grades include:

BTEC first diplomas and certificates

OCR Nationals

Key Skills Level 2

NVQs

Essential Skills (Wales)

Functional Skills Level 2

Core Skills (Scotland)

We accept predicted grades and conditional offers can be made based on predicted grades