Summary
We are looking for a motivated individual to join Ford as a Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprentice. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn the art and science of automotive paint application and refinishing.
Wage
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)
Hours
A standard workweek typically consists of 40 hours, scheduled from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:30am and ending at 5:30pm. Nevertheless, the specific working hours may vary depending on the requirements of individual Dealers.
40 hours a week
Start date
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Duration
2 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
* Learn to assess vehicle damage and determine the appropriate paint repair methods and materials needed.
* Assist in preparing vehicle surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, and priming as necessary.
* Develop proficiency in mixing paint colours to match vehicle manufacturer specifications and customer preferences.
* Assist in applying primer, basecoat, and clear coat using spray guns and other painting equipment.
* Learn to blend and feather paint to achieve seamless transitions between repaired and original areas.
* Support the drying and curing process of painted surfaces using heat lamps or other methods as required.
* Collaborate with colleagues to ensure quality control and adherence to safety protocols throughout the painting process.
* Maintain a clean and organised work area, ensuring proper storage and handling of paints and painting equipment.
* Learn to use paint thickness gauges and other measuring tools to ensure paint application meets specifications.
* Participate in training programs and workshops to enhance technical skills, knowledge of paint systems, and safety awareness.
Where you'll work
Aldermaston Road
Basingstoke
RG21 6YL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CALEX UK LTD
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
Approximately 20% of your total work hours will be dedicated to 'off-the-job' training. This is a mixture of online classrooms and face-to-face learning at The Henry Ford Academy in Daventry & RWC Training in Milton Keynes.
All of our Apprentices are employed through the Dealer Network and attend week-long block training at The Henry Ford Academy in Daventry & RWC Training in Milton Keynes.
Block training is complemented by a combination of regular coaching visits from one of our experienced Coaches as well as Virtual Classroom sessions and E-Learning modules.
Throughout your apprenticeship journey, we are committed to nurturing your growth and development, guiding you toward attaining a widely recognised qualification in the motor industry. This qualification serves as a cornerstone for building your career, offering abundant opportunities within our expanding Dealer Network. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll be well-equipped to advance and transition into new roles.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (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
* Customer care skills