Accident repair technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2.8 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An accident repair technician restores vehicles that have been damaged in collisions, returning them to their pre-accident condition and manufacturer standard. Apprentices learn to straighten bodywork, replace panels, apply filler, and prepare surfaces for painting in a professional bodyshop environment. This role can lead to senior technician positions, estimating roles, or specialisation in paint or structural repair.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Vehicle damage assessment and repair planning
Body panel removal, replacement, and alignment techniques
Welding methods used in structural and cosmetic repairs
Surface preparation including filling, sanding, and priming
Health and safety standards in a bodyshop environment
Use of manufacturer repair data and technical information
Quality control checks to meet insurance and manufacturer standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assess damaged vehicles and identify required repair methods
Remove and replace damaged body panels and components
Carry out welding and straightening on structural sections
Apply filler and sand surfaces to achieve a smooth finish
Prepare vehicles for the paint process using masking and priming
Complete quality checks on finished repairs before sign-off
Update job cards and repair documentation accurately
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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