Apprentice Panel Technician

Join our team as a Vehicle Damage Panel Technician! Work in our workshop removing and replacing vehicle body panels, ensuring high-quality repairs on cars and light commercial vehicles. Perfect for those passionate about cars and starting a career in the automotive industry.

What you'll do

This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a highly skilled team that is committed to quality. You will train to become a qualified Vehicle Damage Panel Technician; the successful candidate can expect a high-quality training package with excellent career prospects. You will work independently and as part of a team following a defined process, using the skills to correctly identify the different body panel types and have the ability to use the correct repair tools to carry out the work to the highest possible standard.

You will receive training and support throughout your qualification the successful candidate will learn to remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels and components of the vehicle safely and efficiently, using a variety of body repair panel tools, equipment and devices. Duties to include:

• Assessing a vehicle to establish the extent of damage
• Based on the initial assessment, deciding whether to repair or replace bodywork
• Removing damaged panels
• Refitting new / repaired panels
• Repairing damaged bodywork using traditional dolly and hammer or more modern techniques
• Repairing small dents, holes or corroded areas using a compound filler

A certain amount of administration and customer interaction is also required:

• Keeping a record of work carried out and time taken
• Liaising with the customer or insurance company
• Providing quotations and estimations

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

The apprenticeship training is delivered via weekly block releases at S&B throughout a year, learning will also take place in the workplace and a S&B Development Coach and Workplace Mentor are allocated to support and monitor your progress to help you reach your goals and manage your workload. Your employer will pay you when you are attending weekly training blocks at S&B.

S&B Automotive Academy is a specialist apprenticeship training provider located in Bedminster, Bristol. Whether you're seeking to kickstart your career in the automotive industry or business industry, S&B Automotive Academy is your go-to partner for excellence in training!

S&B has been training apprentices since the 1970's and are one of the largest training providers in the Automotive and Business sector. We pride ourselves on our collaboration with a wide range of employers.

To be considered for this apprenticeship you must have GCSEs, Functional Skills or Key Skills at grade C/4 or above in English and maths (or equivalent), If your grades are below this, we will discuss your options for taking functional skills in maths and/or English. As well as this, predicated grades are accepted, and work experience or knowledge is beneficial but not essential.

As a result you will receive the following:

• Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship Standard
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if a GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent has not already been achieved)

After the apprenticeship

As a company we are committed to providing development and training opportunities to our employees.

This apprenticeship is the grounding for your future development and there are lots of opportunities to develop your career within our company.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Initiative

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 3)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 3)

About the employer

Since 1979, Pearce Bros, a family-owned and run business, have been building a reputation for providing automotive solutions, excellent customer service and competitive pricing. We are proud of the fantastic relationships we have built with our customers through constant feedback and regular communication.

What sets us apart from our competitors is the friendliness of our staff, and how we ensure that we treat each customer, not just a number, making our service personal, honest and human. This is true whether you are a brand new customer or already a customer of ours.

Over the years, Pearce Bros have supported several local causes including sponsorship of local sports teams as well as supporting the North Bristol NHS Trust, most recently with their Christmas Tree Display.

Why us?

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Vehicle damage panel technician (level 3), Engineering and manufacturing
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED
• Expected duration: 3 Years
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday - Friday (Times to be confirmed).
• Start date: 25 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year