Automotive Technical Trainer (VDA) | Circa £46,250 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Onsite
Are you an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) ready to take your career in a new direction? At Thatcham Research, we’re looking for a passionate and knowledgeable professional to join our Academy team as an Automotive Technical Trainer– helping shape the next generation of automotive experts and raising standards across the industry.
This is an exciting opportunity to step away from day‑to‑day assessments and into a role where you will develop, inspire and support learners across the VDA discipline. You will design and deliver engaging training programmes, assess competency, and ensure learners are equipped with the technical expertise and confidence to succeed in the automotive repair sector. You will work with a range of learners, from apprentices through to experienced professionals, and play a key role in improving capability across the industry.
You don’t need previous experience in teaching or training to be considered for this role as full training and support will be provided. However, you will need hands‑on experience in the vehicle body repair sector.
Responsibilities
Deliver impactful training
* Deliver classroom, virtual / online and practical VDA training sessions
* Bring technical concepts to life in a clear, engaging and accessible way
* Adapt your style to suit different learners – from beginners to experienced assessors
* Facilitate hands‑on workshops and real‑world assessment scenarios
Support learning and development
* Assess learners through practical and theory‑based methods against agreed standards
* Provide constructive, supportive feedback to help learners grow
* Monitor progress and ensure high‑quality learning outcomes
Drive quality and standards
* Continuously evaluate training effectiveness using feedback and results
* Maintain high standards aligned with industry and awarding body requirements (including OFSTED)
* Ensure all training materials and delivery approaches remain consistent and high‑quality
Support learner wellbeing
* Provide a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
* Take responsibility for learner welfare and safeguarding, particularly for young and vulnerable learners
Qualifications & Experience
We’re keen to hear from experienced VDA professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
* Previous experience in automotive vehicle repair, specialising in Vehicle Damage Assessment
* Hold (or able to work towards) Level 3/4 qualifications in your specialist area
* Excellent communication and presentation skills
* Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for different audiences
* A commitment to safe working practices within an automotive environment
You’ll also bring
* A passion for developing others and supporting learning
* The ability to adapt your approach to suit different learners
* An interest in continuous improvement and innovation in training
* Training experience is helpful but not essential – we’ll support you in developing your teaching capability.
(This role requires an Enhanced DBS check to be carried out on appointment)
Benefits
* 10% non‑contributory pension
* 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
* Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
* Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
* Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
* Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
* Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
* Reward & Recognition Programme
* Discounted gym membership
* Sports & Social club
* Payroll charitable giving
* Subsidised on‑site restaurant
* Free on‑site parking
Work Hours
Our standard working hours are 8:30 – 16:30 Monday – Thursday, early finish on Friday – 8:30 – 15:45. (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work‑life balance seriously!)
We understand the benefits of remote and in‑person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week. Travel required within Europe (up to 10%) to support on‑site customer activity.
Right to Work
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.
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