ABL 1 Touch was established over 25 years ago, as a family-owned accident repair business offering an alternate solution to the vehicle accident repair industry, moving away from large sites, incorporating the ‘repair over replace’ ethos, 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, and as the organisation grows, we would like these technicians to share their knowledge and skills with others.

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 so that when they successfully complete their Apprenticeship standard, they can continue their employment and growth within the organisation as a highly skilled ‘Paint Technician’. As an Apprentice Vehicle Damage (Paint) Technician, you will gain the knowledge and skills so you can prepare vehicles after any damaged panel sections have been repaired or replace for painting 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.

General Responsibilities

• To support the repair and return of customer’s vehicles to their purchased and factory standard following an accident.
• To contribute to team production targets to ensure that the vehicle is returned to the customer in a timely manner.
• To fully participate in the Apprenticeship Study programme, to apply the knowledge and skills learnt within the Bodyshop and complete all learning activities and evidence learning within the specified time frames.
• To attend all residential study blocks at the designated training provider, this will be a minimum of six weeks per year.
• To avoid any conduct which could lead to disciplinary issues such as poor attendance, poor time keeping, inappropriate behaviours, general code of conduct issues and performance management issues.

Main tasks

• To observe, recognise and report on vehicle structure and paintwork, using the formal reporting systems.
• To ensure correct that the correct Personal Protective Clothing (PPC), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is worn in line with the discipline you are working on.
• To ensure that any removal or storage of vehicle components, fluids and gases are completed safely as directed by the work order.
• To learn how to quality control your own work through every stage.
• To report all faults, defects noticed whilst working on vehicles.
• To take care of equipment, special tools, personal tools and report any faulty equipment to your line manager.
• To actively make sure 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.
• To ensure that all parts are stripped from the vehicle so it can be painted.
• To sand down the area which needs to be repaired and to sound down the adjourning area so it can be blended.
• To mask out the areas which need to be treated and painted.
• To select matching colours using the manufacturer’s approved colour palette.
• To 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.
• To accurately document and identify all components, materials and consumables used.
• To protect customers vehicles with covers and dust sheets etc.
• To safeguard the customers’ vehicle and contents whilst being repaired.

Person Specification

Essential

• 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.
• Self-motivated.
• Desire to learn new skills and knowledge.

Desirable

• Previous work experience in an automotive role.
• Good customer service skills
• Problem solving skills.

Interviews for the position will take place on 1st July 2024.