Vehicle damage mechanical, electrical and trim (MET) technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A vehicle damage MET technician removes and refits mechanical, electrical, and trim components on accident-damaged vehicles so that body repair and paint work can be carried out correctly. You will work alongside panel technicians and painters in a bodyshop, handling everything from bumpers and airbags to wiring harnesses and interior trim. It is a skilled trade with strong demand across independent bodyshops and manufacturer-approved repair networks.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How to remove and refit bumpers, panels, glass, and trim safely
Mechanical components including suspension, cooling, and steering systems
Electrical systems, wiring looms, and electronic module coding
Safe handling of airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner systems
EV and hybrid high-voltage awareness and safe isolation
Manufacturer repair methods and technical data interpretation
Quality checking refitted components before handover
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Strip damaged vehicles down to allow panel or paint repairs
Refit mechanical and trim parts to manufacturer specification
Bleed braking and cooling systems after component replacement
Code or program replacement electronic modules
Carry out ADAS calibration after relevant component changes
Check vehicle safety systems before returning to workshop
Keep your workspace clean and tools correctly maintained
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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