Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor

Summary

Are you curious about cars, enjoy hands-on work, and want to get paid while learning?

You’ll gain hands-on experience and a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn!

Wage

£20,000 a year

The pay may be negotiated and may rise after a probation period has been successfully completed.

Training course

Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)

Hours

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

40 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 2026

Duration

1 year 8 months

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 Assessor, you’ll assist and learn across a variety of tasks, including:

• Inspecting damaged vehicles and accurately recording damage using manufacturer guidance
• Producing repair estimates using estimating software and learning how repair costs are calculated
• Supporting the creation of repair specifications and ensuring work follows manufacturer repair methods and safety standards
• Assisting with job documentation, photographs, parts ordering and workflow planning
• Communicating professionally with customers, colleagues, insurers and engineers
• Maintaining accurate records while following health, safety and environmental procedures
• Supporting the team to ensure repairs are completed on time and to a high standard

Where you'll work

Units 1 & 2
Magnet Road
West Thurrock
Grays
RM20 4DP

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 assessor (level 4)

What you'll learn

• 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
• 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
• Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, on-line databases

Training schedule

Your training will take place both at your workplace and Thatcham Research Automotive Academy, Daytona Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4NR. Block-release training with an apprenticeship provider every six weeks.

More training information

• Block-release training with an apprenticeship provider every six weeks
• On-the-job guidance from an experienced team and allocated workplace mentor
• Visits from a training provider coach every 6–8 weeks
• Additional support from Apprenticeship Central

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