Summary
As a Paint Spray and Bodywork Apprentice, you'll play a key role in maintaining the appearance of our trains to the high standards our customers expect. You'll need to be practical, detail-oriented, and have good hand-eye coordination.
Wage
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Training course
Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday - hours TBC
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 24 August 2026
Duration
3 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
* On-the-job experience at Bournemouth Traincare Depot
* Block release residential training at Thatcham Research's world-class facility in Berkshire.
* Academic qualifications in vehicle body and paint repair
Where you'll work
Bournemouth Traincare Depot
Nelson Road
Bournemouth
BH4 9JA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THATCHAM RESEARCH
Training course
Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc
* Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc
* Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application
* Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
* Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment
Training schedule
Year 1
* Attend 2-week block release training sessions at Thatcham Research
* Complete Level 2 VCQ in Vehicle Body and Paint
* Gain practical experience at Bournemouth Traincare Depot
Years 2 & 3
* Progress to Level 3 VCQ in Vehicle Body and Paint
* Continue block release training at Thatcham Research
* Receive ongoing workplace training and mentoring
* Work toward becoming an IMI-accredited Body and Paint Technician
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (grade 5)
* Science (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Flexibility