Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

Vehicle Damage Panel Technician

On a vehicle damage panel technician apprenticeship course, you’ll help remove, repair and replace vehicle body panels to manufacturer specification. Vehicles include cars and light commercial vehicles.

As an apprentice, you will work alone and as part of a team, using your skills to precisely identify the different body panel types and the right tools to finish the work to the highest possible standard. In addition, panel technicians must stay up to date on essential equipment and repair techniques in the car industry since motor vehicle technology evolves fast.

What you’ll learn

On a vehicle damage panel technician apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Recognise the correct joining process, such as resistance spot welding, mig brazing, or bonding
  • Remove, repair, and replace car body panels and parts in a safe and efficient manner
  • Recognise and operate the correct repair tools, equipment, and devices used in the process, such as panel pulling systems, jig and alignment tools, spot welders, and brazing tools
  • Identify additional damage, such as panels considered reparable but proven to be beyond repair once worked on, as well as damage that could not be identified on initial inspection
  • Detect and rectify defects in a vehicle’s structure that endanger its safety

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • Depending on the employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of three distinct assessment methods: 

  • Knowledge Test 
  • Professional Discussion (supported by a portfolio of evidence) 
  • Practical Skills Test 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 36 months
  • Level: 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: DT
  • Potential salary upon completion: £25,000

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page

Updated on January 21, 2024

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