Vehicle Damage Panel Technician Apprentice

Company Name: Trent Barton
Type: Apprenticeship
Sector: Automotive
Application Deadline Date: 12/10/2026
Positions Available: 1

Location: Heanor, DE75 7BG
Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
Ref: VAC-17984
Start Date: 19/10/2026
Working Week: Monday to Friday

Brief Description

We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Coachbuilder Apprentice to join our engineering team and develop a career in PSV vehicle body repair and coachbuilding. This is an opportunity to develop a wide range of practical skills, including welding, fabrication, panel repair and vehicle damage repair!

Vacancy Detail

As an apprentice, you will learn and assist with:
• Inspecting and assessing bus bodywork for damage, dents, corrosion and general deterioration.
• Repairing damaged areas of vehicle bodywork using appropriate tools, equipment and techniques.
• Removing, replacing and repairing damaged panels and body components.
• Carrying out welding, grinding and fabrication work.
• Repairing accident-damaged vehicles and restoring bodywork to the required standard.
• Preparing repaired bodywork and vehicles for painting.
• Removing and replacing vehicle glazing.
• Assisting with structural repairs.
• Interior refurbishment work; flooring and seating repair and replacement
• Using hand tools, power tools, and specialist body repair equipment.
• Maintaining a clean and organised workspace and following all health and safety procedures.
• Working alongside experienced coachbuilders and engineers to develop practical skills and knowledge.
• Completing college/training-centre work and apprenticeship assessments as required.

Qualifications Required

Ideally Maths and English at level 4 or above or the Functional Skills Equivalent

Personal Qualities

• Is reliable, hardworking and willing to learn from experienced technicians.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Is committed to completing their apprenticeship and developing a long-term career within the engineering team.

Skills Required

• Has a genuine interest in vehicles, engineering and practical work.
• Enjoys working with their hands and using tools.
• Is keen to learn and develop new skills.
• Has good attention to detail and takes pride in their work.
• Can follow instructions and work safely.

Future Prospects

This is an excellent opportunity for someone starting their career in engineering to learn from experienced PSV coachbuilders while gaining a recognised Level 3 qualification.
You will gain practical experience working on our bus fleet and develop skills in welding, fabrication, panel repair, accident damage repair, glazing and vehicle bodywork, providing a strong foundation for a career as a qualified PSV coachbuilder.

Other Information

You will complete a Level 3 Vehicle Damage Panel Technician apprenticeship over approximately 33–36 months, followed by End-Point Assessment.
The apprenticeship includes practical training in areas including:
• Vehicle construction and properties of materials.
• Tools, equipment and measuring devices used in body repair.
• Minor vehicle body repairs.
• Electrical components, SRS and MET.
• Plastic component repair and refurbishment.
• Resistance spot welding
• MIG/MAG welding techniques.
• Permanent body panel repairs.
• Mechanical fasteners and adhesive bonding.
• Structural panel replacement.
• Identifying and rectifying vehicle body alignment.
Training will be delivered through a combination of workplace experience and specialist training with Inspiro Learning. The apprenticeship includes approximately 12–15 weeks of block training, delivered at the customer's site or Inspiro's specialist training centre in Doncaster.