Apprentice Paint Technician

ABL 1 Touch was established over 30 years ago, as a family-owned accident repair business offering an alternate solution to the vehicle accident repair industry. It is now backed by private equity investment and is rapidly increasing the number of sites throughout the UK. ABL 1 Touch has highly experienced skilled technicians who specialise in paint preparation and finishing. As the organisation grows, we would like these technicians to share their knowledge and skills with others.

We are a large organisation, which is growing rapidly, with lots of opportunities for our people to grow, develop and progress. Our people are at the heart of how we think and what we do. If you demonstrate a positive approach to work and your study programme, along with commitment and loyalty to your team, there will be access to a range of reward and recognition packages.

We are recruiting Apprentices who are keen to listen, learn and develop from our experienced technicians and who are willing to attend formal residential study blocks at a specialist training provider. Upon successful completion of their Apprenticeship standard, they can continue their employment and growth within the organisation as a highly skilled ‘Paint Technician’.

As an Apprentice Vehicle Paint Technician, you will gain the knowledge and skills to enable you to prepare vehicles for painting after any damaged panel sections have been repaired or replaced. High standards of work are required to ensure that all paint work matches the existing panels and the vehicle has been returned to factory standards. You will not just be learning technical skills and knowledge; you will be developing skills for life which will enable you to succeed with communication, teamwork, time management, personal resilience and problem solving.

• Support the repair and return of customer’s vehicles to their purchased and factory standard following an accident.
• Contribute to team production targets to ensure that the vehicle is returned to the customer in a timely manner.
• Fully participate in the Apprenticeship Study programme, applying the knowledge and skills learnt within the Bodyshop and completing all learning activities and evidence learning within the specified time frames.
• Attend all residential study blocks at the designated training provider, a minimum of six weeks per year.
• Upon completion of your Apprenticeship, demonstrate expert working knowledge and competence in preparing, spraying and finishing vehicles using the correct colour match, ensuring the final finish meets the company and customer’s expectations.
• Observe, recognise and report on vehicle structure and paintwork, using the formal reporting systems.
• Ensure that any removal or storage of vehicle components, fluids and gases are completed safely as directed by the work order.
• Learn how to quality control your own work through every stage.
• Report all faults and defects noticed whilst working on vehicles.
• Take care of equipment, special tools, personal tools and report any faulty equipment to your line manager.
• Actively ensure the repair method is in the job pack and is fully read, understood (e-scribe, manufacturer, or other source) and always displayed with the vehicle.
• Ensure that all parts are stripped from the vehicle so it can be painted.
• Sand down the area which needs to be repaired and the adjoining area so it can be blended.
• Mask out the areas which need to be treated and painted.
• Select matching colours using the manufacturer’s approved colour palette.
• Spray and paint panels/vehicle parts using a variety of techniques to ensure a factory standard finish.
• Ensure PAS125 / Health & Safety processes are adhered to.
• Accurately document and identify all components, materials and consumables used.
• Protect customers' vehicles with covers and dust sheets etc.
• Safeguard the customers’ vehicle and contents whilst being repaired.

• GCSE English Language &/or Maths at Grade 4 or above (or their equivalent).
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good understanding of the importance of confidentiality and security.
• Hardworking and self-motivated.
• Desire to learn new skills and knowledge.
• Previous work experience in an automotive role.
• Good customer service skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

Joining our team at ABL 1 Touch means becoming part of a dynamic organisation that values its employees and provides opportunities for professional growth. We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and a supportive work environment. ABL 1 Touch is committed to growing and maintaining a diverse team and an inclusive work environment. Our goal is to develop inclusive work activities and projects that bring together people with different experiences and backgrounds. Through this, we aim to make sure everyone can be at their best at work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at workforus@abl1touch.com.