HANDS ON?CAREER

TRAINING

EXPERIENCE

APPRENTICESHIPS IN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

PANEL, PAINT, FITTER, ASSESSOR AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

THATCHAM APPRENTICE TRAINING PROGRAMME

It’s not just the modern day vehicle that is packed with the very latest technology - the same is true of the modern repair environment. Today’s crash repair centres are clean, professional and cutting edge. They provide excellent career opportunities for anyone starting as an Apprentice to become a highly qualified technician and to achieve professional accreditation in their field or to progress into management.

The increasingly complex vehicles on today’s roads demand an ever growing number of skilled repair technicians to understand them and return the vehicle to a safe, pre-accident condition. Thatcham’s dedicated Apprentice Academy provides the ideal training environment to ensure that young people aged 16 - 25 get a head start and a successful future in the UK body repair industry.

Thatcham are highly regarded in the UK vehicle repair industry and increasingly globally, providing the insurance and repair industries with a range of vehicle research, repair information and training, from their Research Centre and Automotive Academy based in Berkshire.

Thatcham’s Apprentice training is unique because everything that is taught uses the latest repair methods, which have been developed and used in their own research workshop. This gives every delegate on a Thatcham course a unique advantage. Because the Thatcham research staff are working in-depth on vehicles from all manufacturers and have access to vehicles at an early stage in the design process, they know how radical new designs and developments in manufacturing materials can affect the repair. As soon as the experts at Thatcham know, you can be sure that this knowledge is incorporated into their range of courses and learning programmes.

In many cases, dependent on the age of the candidate, Apprenticeships at Thatcham are fully funded, with employers contributing only towards travel and accommodation whilst at Thatcham.

CUTTING EDGEFACILITIESThatcham’s Automotive Academy is the largest training facility of its kind in the UK, with the dedicated Apprentice Academy providing a state of the art facility for the training of young repair technicians – the future of the crash repair industry. THATCHAM OFFERS APPRENTICE TRAINING LEADING TO VCQ (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NVQ) LEVELS 2 & 3 IN FIVE AREAS:

Body Repairer (Panel Technician)Body Finisher (Paint Technician)Body Fitter (M.E.T. Technician)Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA)Customer Service

BODY REPAIRER (Panel Technician)Apprentices learn how to realign damaged vehicles using computerised body jigs, how to weld and repair damaged panels and how to remove and replace panels. They will also find out all about the different materials used in manufacturing today’s vehicles and how to repair them.

KEY TASKS:• Removing and fitting non-permanently fixed vehicle body panels • Removing and replacing exterior motor vehicle panels, including permanently fixed components • Minor exterior body panel repairs • MIG/MAG welding techniques • Vehicle construction and materials • Removing and replacing structural body panels • Major body repairs • Identifying and rectifying vehicle body misalignment

BODY REFINISHER (Paint Technician)This Apprenticeship teaches the techniques of panel preparation, colour matching, paint mixing and spraying, as well as a thorough understanding of the different paint systems.

KEY TASKS:• Tools and equipment used in vehicle refinishing • Applying fillers and foundation materials • Preparing metal and pre-painted surfaces • Establishing and repairing minor paint defects • Working with plastic materials and components • Applying topcoats and completing refinishing operations • Vehicle colour matching

BODY FITTER (M.E.T. Technician)Also known as M.E.T. (Mechanical, Electrical, Trim), delegates learn the many techniques for removing and refitting trim, as well as dealing with subjects such as engine management systems, air conditioning, airbags and steering geometry.

KEY TASKS:• Knowledge of removing and fitting mechanical components • Knowledge of removing and fitting electrical components • Knowledge of removing and fitting trim components • Removing and fitting electronically controlled vehicle mechanical components • Removing and fitting electronic components and systems • Removing, refurbishing and fitting trim components

VEHICLE DAMAGE ASSESSOR (VDA) (includes Level 2 M.E.T. qualification)

Run in conjunction with the IAEA (Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors), this Apprenticeship Programme has been designed to include modules on customer service, panel and paint to produce bodyshop assessors and insurance engineers with an all round appreciation of vehicle assessment and repair.

KEY TASKS:• Knowledge of removing and fitting mechanical, electrical and trim components • Customer service• Knowledge of paint processes• Knowledge of body repair processes• Assessing vehicle condition• Collecting relevant customer and claim information relating to accident circumstances• Assessing accident damage• Costing repair, using Thatcham times /Thatcham paint calculator• Parts pricing using a range of data platforms• Salvage• IAEA practical and oral examination

CUSTOMER SERVICE As the key point of contact for customers, the role of Customer Service Adviser is vital to ensure customers are completely satisfied when dealing with an automotive business such as a bodyshop.

for the Automotive Industry

KEY TASKS:• Demonstrating a clear understanding of customer service

within the automotive industry• Communicating effectively with customers, in person

or by telephone• Knowledge of Dealer Management Systems (DMS)• Recognising and dealing with queries, requests and concerns• Developing effective customer service relationships

KEY TASKS:• Demonstrating a clear understanding of customer service

within the automotive industry• Communicating effectively with customers, in person

or by telephone• Knowledge of Dealer Management Systems (DMS)• Recognising and dealing with queries, requests and concerns• Developing effective customer service relationships

“ALL ADVANCED THATCHAM

APPRENTICESHIPS NOW INCLUDE

MODULES ON READY2REPAIR –

THATCHAM’S OPTIMISED ‘REPAIR

NOT REPLACE’ PROGRAMME,

AS WELL AS SAFE HANDLING

OF HIGH VOLTAGE VEHICLES.”

A Level 2 Apprenticeship takes approximately 15 months and once successfully completed learners can then choose to go on to the Advanced Apprenticeship, which takes a further 9 months and results in a Technical Certificate and Level 3 VCQ. The total duration of training is therefore 24 months.

Apprentices attend the Academy on a block release basis from their employer and must therefore have already found employment as an Apprentice at a bodyshop, before they can be enrolled on a Thatcham Apprenticeship. However, the National Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service (AVMS) has been designed specifically to help young people find employers who are recruiting Apprentices and vice versa.

This service can be accessed online at www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You can also contact the Thatcham Apprentice Team, who will be delighted to offer help and advice.

Find out more about the Thatcham Apprentice Programme

www.apprentices.thatcham.org

or contact our sales team on: 01635 293174

or by email on: apprentices@thatcham.org

CASE STUDY:

ADAM WHITEHOUSEM.E.T. APPRENTICESOLUS BIRMINGHAM

At 22 years old Adam Whitehouse is in his element. An M.E.T. (Mechanical, Electrical & Trim) Apprentice at one of Solus Accident Repair Centre’s flagship operations in Birmingham, he is not only doing a job he loves, he is also getting qualified at the same time as a final year Apprentice at Thatcham’s Automotive Academy.

“ I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTO CARS ” says Adam

“ I have a Ford Escort Mark 1 at home that I’ve been

doing up in my spare time, so when I got the chance

to put my hobby into practice I didn’t need to think

twice. ”

It was always going to be a hands on career for Adam. He left school after completing his GCSEs and briefly worked in the construction industry as a Pipe Fitter, before he heard about an opportunity as a car valeter and polisher with Solus. Adam was just keen to get his foot in the door and before long his very obvious enthusiasm and skill prompted his employer to give him a chance to show what he could really do as an M.E.T. Apprentice. He loves it.

“ Every day there’s a new challenge, different cars

to work on, different jobs to do – no two days are

the same.”

However, whilst his colleagues and mentor were a great help in getting him started, he knew there was much to learn and that’s where his off-site Apprentice training came in. As one of the country’s largest repair networks, Solus have always placed great emphasis on developing their own technicians through Apprenticeships and have long relied on Thatcham, with their industry renowned Apprenticeship Programme, to help them produce the kind of fully rounded, skilled technicians that they are so reliant on.

Thatcham’s block release system means that Apprentices spend two weeks at a time, 4 - 5 times a year at the vehicle research centre’s dedicated Apprentice Academy, learning real skills that they can immediately put into practice on their return to the workplace.

Of course this means spending time away from friends and family for short periods – a challenge for some, but not a problem for Adam.

“ I really look forward to going down to Thatcham.

They put us up in a nice hotel and really take

care of us. I’ve never had any issues, but they

have people dedicated to looking after us

during our whole stay so if there were anything

I needed help with I know that the support

is there. For me it’s a nice change of scenery. ”

“ I get to meet up with the other lads in my group

and we really enjoy the learning and showing each

other what we can do. Thatcham have all the latest

tools and equipment, modern vehicles to work on

and the instructors are all really nice. There are

only 3 of us in my group so we get a really personal

training experience. It’s the practical work that

I enjoy most, but we do have to get in the classroom

from time to time as well.

Part of the Apprenticeship involves key skills –

brushing up on things like Maths and English, which

strangely enough do actually have a part to play in

some of the repair tasks we do.”

“ I go into the production office first thing and find

out what’s in store for me, but it could be anything

really. As an M.E.T. technician it’s my job to get the

car ready for the Panel and Paint guys. So that’s

stripping the car down and once it’s repaired,

putting it all back together. Often it’s front end

damage so I’ll be removing and refitting radiators,

condensers and manifolds.

I might be removing a dashboard and everything

behind that, so the electrical wiring for radios and

heaters, airbags and seatbelts – you really have to

know what you’re doing there because they can

be dangerous.

I may have to check the wheel geometry, change

tyres, remove and refit trim and glazing from doors

and other panels. It’s really varied and that’s the

way I like it. ”

SO WHAT WOULD A TYPICAL DAY BACK AT SOLUS LOOK LIKE?

Only 18 months in and Adam is already about to complete the final blocks of his Advanced Apprenticeship and a VCQ Level 3 awaits, so what’s next for him?

“ I’m going to do some more training. At Solus, whilst

we work on all sorts of cars we are an approved

Mercedes repairer so I’m going to be doing some

further training with them, learning about new

models, new technologies and repair methods.

AND LONGER TERM?

Once I’ve got my qualifications the sky’s the limit

really and I suppose there may be opportunities

in management one day, but I don’t want to go

into the office - I’m happy on the shopfloor and I’d

like to think that one day I’ll be mentoring another

Apprentice just like myself. ”

Adam’s parents are equally enthused with his career choice. As mum Louisa puts it,

“ I’m really pleased for him. He always excelled at thepractical things and I knew he’d end up doing something like that for a career. He loves his cars and I really think

he’s found himself a job for life. ”

CASE STUDY:

MY EMPLOYER

NEIL UNDERWOOD As the General Manager at Solus in Birmingham, Neil Underwood is Adam’s employer and has been in the automotive industry in a variety of roles since leaving school. As a former Apprentice himself he shares the Solus’ view of the importance of these Apprenticeship Programmes.

“ It’s really important to keep a steady flow of new

talent coming into the business. Apprenticeship

Programmes like the one at Thatcham ensure that

we can give young people an opportunity and

that we get the very best up to date learning for

them.” says Neil.

“ FROM A COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW IT MAKES TOTAL SENSE AS WELL. ALL THE TRAINING

AT THATCHAM IS FULLY FUNDED* SO WE ONLY PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

COSTS WHILST THEY ARE OFF SITE. ”

“ Because they are learning in blocks, the programme

has structure, so we can plan for when people are

away learning and we know what sort of skills they

will have when they come back and therefore what

sort of work they’ll be able to pick up on their return.

We also think it’s great for their development to

meet other young people in the same situation.”

“ FROM A COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW IT MAKES TOTAL SENSE AS WELL. ALL THE TRAINING

AT THATCHAM IS FULLY FUNDED* SO WE ONLY PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

COSTS WHILST THEY ARE OFF SITE. ”

*subject to meeting funding eligibility

At the Birmingham site, which Neil is fully responsible for running, there are currently 2 amongst a total staff of 45, including 23 repair technicians. When Adam graduates they will most likely be looking to take on another.

“ We have a great relationship with Thatcham.

They are our Apprenticeship partner and they even

help us out with recruitment, selection and interview

when we are looking for more Apprentices.”

Ultimately though, as General Manager it’s Neil who has responsibility for overseeing the progress of his Apprentices and ensuring they have all the support and guidance they need.

SOLUS HAS 18 SITES NATIONWIDE AND

PLAN TO HAVE UP TO 16 APPRENTICES

WORKING ACROSS THOSE SITES.

“ I’ve always believed in Apprenticeships and would

thoroughly recommend them as an excellent way

to get a start in the industry, build up experience

and get qualified. Adam’s a great example of

this and he’s now picking up all the skills he needs

to make a real success of his career.”

Find out more about the Thatcham Apprentice Programme at www.apprentices.thatcham.org or contact our team on 01635 293174 or by email: apprentices@thatcham.org

tel: 01635 293174 email: apprentices@thatcham.org or visit www.apprentices.thatcham.org

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/thatchamresearch

Follow us on Twitter @ThatchamMIRRC