Apprentice Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) - Smart Bodyshop Solutions - Scunthorpe - Ltd

Summary

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.

Wage

£16,640 a year

Training course

Vehicle damage assessor (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 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 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

Where you'll work

Cottage Beck Road
Scunthorpe
DN16 1TS

Training

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

Training provider

AUTO-ASSESS LIMITED

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

• 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

Requirements

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

Other requirements

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.