Vehicle Damage Panel Technician
Job Role
A Vehicle Damage Panel Technician works within a Body Repair workshop, demonstrating expert working knowledge in relation to the removal, repair, prep and replacement of vehicle body panels to vehicle manufacturer specifications.
With motor vehicle technology changing all the time panel technicians keep up to date with the most relevant equipment and advanced repair techniques within the automotive industry. They do so by adhering to the manufacturer’s literature and modification bulletins.
The equipment they use can include using jigs, resistance welding equipment, riveting and bonding tools, as well as new equipment such as Reinforced Plastic Carbon Fibre diagnostic ultrasound tools, state of the art repair principles and paint procedures to maintain Volvo’s strict safety protocols.
The duties of a Panel Damager Repair Technician may include:
- Using a range of tools
- Panel Repair & Replacement
- Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET)
- Smoothing minor dents and filling small holes or rusted areas
- Keeping records of all completed work
- Preparation
- SMART repairs and wheel refurb
We’re looking for ambitious candidates ready to take ownership of their development, work hard to achieve their potential and grow with an ambitious employer.
Future Prospects
There are lots of opportunities to develop your career; from short to long term. Your early development is carefully mapped through your Apprenticeship journey with your learning focussed toward achieving an industry recognised qualification that’s recognised across the Motor Industry.
This is the grounding for your future development within the network and opportunities exist, once qualified, to further develop your skills and to move into new roles.
Applications open all year round…
Learn More
A typical working week could be 40 hours Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm, however each of our Dealers will have different requirements.
All learners will be required to work the minimum apprenticeship duration of 30 hours per week. At least 20% of your working hours will be allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. We’ll support you to understand the working hours during the recruitment process.
All of our opportunities receive a really good response and so we’re looking for you to demonstrate why you stand out from the crowd. We’re not looking for the finished article; rather we want to identify those people that are ambitious and demonstrate a willingness to learn, who are excited by the prospect of working with our fantastic, technologically advanced vehicles, and really engage in the recruitment process.
We are committed to supporting our Apprentice’s technical, employability, and broader personal development skills, to ensure they can progress and develop their career. When it comes to selecting the right people to become apprentices, it’s as much about attitude as it is about vocational and academic success. That’s why in addition to the qualifications we require from you, we’ll also look for you to possess the following key behaviours. From problem-solving abilities to an enthusiasm for our industry, these are all attributes that will be vital in your role and they will be assessed throughout the application process.
- Logical and creative thinking skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
- Can use own initiative
- A thorough and organised approach
- Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
- Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
- Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment
Age: 16+
Prior Attainment: GCSE (or equivalent) grade A*-C or 9-4 in Maths and English. Predicated grades are accepted.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve National 4 or above in English and Maths and either a Science or Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates are also accepted.
‘Equivalent’ grades include:
- BTEC first diplomas and certificates
- OCR Nationals
- Key Skills Level 2
- NVQs
- Essential Skills (Wales)
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Core Skills (Scotland)
Your application will be assessed by the Recruitment & Selection Team against the Entry Requirements specified for the role. We aim to update you on the status of your application within no more than 5 working days.
If you are successful in your application you will be invited to participate in a short video or telephone interview. Candidates are then shortlisted again and will be asked to complete a range of web-based assessments appropriate to the role that you have applied for.
Finally candidates are invited to meet with their local Volvo Retailer in the form of a face-to-face interview. This may extend to a second interview and in some cases a working trial.
More information will be shared with candidates as a part of the process. Feedback is made available to candidates at each stage.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group and appointment will be based on merit alone. Being committed to equal opportunities, if you have a disability please state this during the application process. Measures will be put in place to support you through your application and apprenticeship journey.
Our Dealers dictate the remuneration that our learners receive. All Dealers are required to pay, at least, The National Minimum Wage.
More information about the minimum wage for apprentices can be found on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship.
For more information about the opportunity or to discuss your application, please contact the Recruitment and Selection team on [email protected]
Vacancies
To apply for apprenticeship roles at Volvo, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button below. This will direct you to the website of our external training provider, Inspiro Learning, where you will complete your application.
Privacy Policy
Calex UK | Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2023
This policy statement is effective immediately for all users.
Scope
This policy applies to Calex UK Limited and all its companies. This privacy policy describes how we use the personal information that we collect from you, or that you provide, when you visit any of our websites (the ‘website) or use our products and services that we provide or otherwise contact us.
What is Personal Data?
Personal data relates to any information about a natural person that makes you identifiable which may include but is not limited to:
- Names and contact information i.e. email addresses and telephone numbers
- Personal information such as date of birth, national insurance number
- Educational information (including qualifications, grades, learning needs)
- Characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, nationality
- Financial information such as bank details
- Information about personal preferences and interests
- Company information, financial and staff details)
- Website usage data
- Staff contract information
What is Sensitive Personal Data?
Sensitive personal data refers to the above but includes genetic data and biometric data for example:
- Medical conditions
- Religious, philosophical beliefs and political opinions
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Convictions
- Biometric data
What is a Data Controller?
For GDPR purposes, the “data controller” means the person or organisation who decides the purposes for which and the way in which any personal data is processed. The data controller is Calex UK Limited, Unit 21, Abingdon Business Park, OX14 3YS contact with the data controller can be made through use of this email address [email protected].
The data protection officer is Kelly Riordan who can be contacted at the above address or on [email protected]
What is a Data Processor?
A “data processor” is a person or organisation which processes personal data for the controller.
What is Data Processing?
Data processing is any operation or set of operations performed upon personal data, or sets of it, be it by automated systems or not. Examples of data processing explicitly listed in the text of the GDPR are: collection, recording, organising, structuring, storing, adapting, altering, retrieving, consulting, using, disclosing by transmission, disseminating or making available, aligning or combining, restricting, erasure or destruction.
What Information do we collect about you and how?
We collect a range of personal information about you in a variety of ways. This could be, but not limited to, the use of forms, paper or electronic from our websites, when you sign up to receive our newsletters, register for information or engage in the services that we offer. If you are progressing your career through Calex UK run apprenticeship programmes we may need to collect additional personal information from you in order to secure funding or satisfy legal or governmental scheme requirements. Further information on the requirements for Apprenticeships can found within the Apprenticeship Funding and Performance Management Rules (ESFA Performance Management Rules)
We also collect personal information from you when you communicate with us for any reason.
In addition, we will automatically collect information from you when you visit our websites i.e. sending an enquiry, signing up for an event, filing in a survey or giving feedback. Website usage information is collected using cookies.
We may record and store telephone conversation you may have with us for the purposes of quality improvement, staff training and or to prevent/detect crime. You will always be notified if your call is being recorded.
If you chose to provide us with your information this processing of personal data is based on consent.
Information for Apprentices
Some of the information provided by you will be used by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (‘ESFA’) in order to fulfil its statutory duties and functions, issue/verify your Unique Learner Number (ULN) in order to maintain your Personal Learning Record. The ESFA may share your ULN and Personal Learning Record with other education related organisations, further details of how your information is processed and shared can be found at LRS-Privacy-Notices.
Use of Cookies
We use “cookies” to collect information about you and your activity across our site. A cookie is a small piece of data that our website stores on your computer, and accesses each time you visit so we can understand how you use our site and serve you content based on preferences you have specified. For more information visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org
You have the right to choose whether or not to accept cookies and to set your own cookie preferences on your computer. If you do not wish to accept cookies from us, you should instruct your browser to refuse cookies from our website, with the understanding that we may be unable to provide you with some of your desired service without them. This policy covers only the use of cookies between your computer and our website; it does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers.
Analytics
We use Google Analytics to store information about how visitors use our website so that may make improvements and give visitors a better user experience.
Google Analytics is a third party information storage system that records information about the pages that you visit, the length of time you were on specific pages and the website in general, how you arrived at the site and what you clicked on when you were there. These cookies do not store any personal information about you e.g. your name, address etc and we do not share the data. You can view their privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy
IP addresses
An IP or Internet Protocol Address is a unique numerical address assigned to a computer as it logs onto the internet. Your IP address is logged when you visit our website.
Internet Based Advertising
We use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter advertising services and as such there are tracking codes installed on our website so that we can manage the effectiveness of these campaigns. We do not store any personal data within this type of tracking.
How will we use the Information about you and why?
The information that we collect and store relating to you is primarily used to enable us to provide our services to you. In addition we may use the information for the following purposes:
- to provide you with information you request form us
- to administer an account you create or use on our websites
- to respond to your specific requests, communications or enquiries in an efficient manner
- to provide you with updates on Calex UK or its products and services
- in order to meet contractual requirements with you
- to notify you of any changes to the websites, our services such as improvements or changes
If you do not want us to use your data for any marketing purposes you will have the opportunity to withhold your consent to this when you provide your details to us. Should you wish to withdraw your consent for such purposes please contact [email protected].
For Business to Business Clients and Contacts our lawful reason for processing your personal information will be “legitimate interests”. Under “legitimate interests” we can process your personal information if: we have a genuine and legitimate reason and we are not harming any of your rights and interests.
For Business to Consumer Clients and Contacts our lawful reason for processing your personal information will be “A contract with the individual” e.g. to supply goods and services you have requested, or to fulfil obligations under an employment contract or an Apprenticeship Agreement. This also includes steps taken at your request before entering into a contract.
Our work for you may require us to pass your information to our third-party service providers, agents, subcontractors and other associated organisations for the purposes of completing tasks and providing the Services to you on our behalf. However, when we use third party service providers, we disclose only the personal information that is necessary to deliver the Services and we have contracts in place that requires them to keep your information secure and not to use it for their own direct marketing purposes.
We collect information on our website to process your enquiry, deal with your event registration, give advice based on survey data and improve our services. If you agree, we will also use this information to share updates with you about our services which we believe may be of interest to you.
We will not share your information for marketing purposes with companies so that they may offer you their products and services.
We may disclosure your personal information to any company within our group, third parties that we contract to provide services on our behalf or where third party funding is required within Apprenticeships. In addition we may be required to provide information to government agencies, where required by the Apprenticeship and any third part that purchases all or substantially all of our assets and business.
In accordance with legal and regulatory requirements we may be required to disclose your personal information to any law enforcement agency, court, regulator, government authority or other third party where we believe this is necessary in order to comply with our obligations or otherwise to protect our rights or the rights of any third party.
Transferring your information outside Europe
As part of the services offered to you through the Calex UK website, the information which you give to us may be transferred to countries outside the European Union (“EU”). For example, some of our third-party providers may be located outside of the EU. Where this is the case we will take steps to make sure the right security measures are taken so that your privacy rights continue to be protected as outlined in this policy. By submitting your personal data, you’re agreeing to this transfer, storing or processing.
If you use our services while you are outside the EU, your information may be transferred outside the EU to give you those services.
Security Precautions in place about Data collected
When you give us personal information, we take steps to make sure that it’s treated securely. Any personal information you supply to us is stored within secure servers. When you are on a secure page, a lock icon will appear on the bottom of web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Non-sensitive details (your email address etc.) are sent normally over the Internet, and this can never be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us, and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your information, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our systems. Where we have given (or where you have chosen) a password which enables you to access certain parts of our websites, you are responsible for keeping this password confidential. We ask you not to share your password with anyone.
Profiling
We may analyse your personal information to create a profile of your interests and preferences so that we can contact you with information relevant to you. We may make use of extra information about you when it is available from external sources to help us do this effectively. We may also use your personal information to detect and cut fraud and credit risk.
Marketing
We would like to send you information about our services which may be of interest to you. If you have consented to receive marketing, you may opt out at any point as set out below.
You have a right at any time to stop us from contacting you for marketing purposes. To opt out please email: [email protected].
How long will we hold your Data for?
This information is expressed in our separate Data Retention & Deletion Policy. This can be requested by emailing [email protected].
What is a Subject Access Request?
This is your right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you. If you would like a copy of some or all your personal information, please email or write to us at the following address: Data Protection Officer, Calex UK Limited, Unit 21, Abingdon Business Park, OX14 3YS. We will respond to your request within one month of receipt of the request.
We want to make sure your personal information is accurate and up to date. You may ask us to correct or remove information you think is inaccurate by emailing [email protected] or writing to the above address.
Objections to processing of personal data
It is your right to lodge an objection to the processing of your personal data if you feel the “ground relating to your particular situation” apply. The only reasons we will be able to deny your request is if we can show compelling legitimate grounds for the processing, which override your interest, rights and freedoms, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise or defence of a legal claims.
Data Portability
It is also your right to receive the personal data which you have given to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit that data to another controller without delay from the current controller if:
(a) The processing is based on consent or on a contract, and
(b) The processing is carried out by automated means.
Your Right to be Forgotten
Should you wish for us to completely delete all information that we hold about you for:
Email: [email protected], or
In Writing to: Date Protection Officer, Calex UK Limited, Unit 21, Abingdon Business Park, OX14 3YS.
Other Websites
Our website may contain links to other websites. This privacy policy is only applicable to this website so when you link to other websites should read their own privacy policies.
Complaints
The organisation is dedicated to being compliant with the Act and the GDPR. Individuals, any member of staff, applicant or a student wishing to report concerns should, in the first instance, contact the Data Protection Officer who will aim to resolve any issue:
Data Protection Officer
Calex UK Limited, Unit 21, Abingdon Business Park, OX14 3YS
If the individual, member of staff or student feels the complaint has not been dealt with to their satisfaction, he/she can formally complain to the Registrar.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 0303 123 1113
Internet: www.ico.org.uk
Changes to Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this privacy notice at any time to take account of changes in our business and legal requirements. We will place updates on our website. Please refer to the ‘last updated’ date at the top of this Privacy Policy to see when it was last revised.
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion, Equality and Diversity
Our ambitions are underpinned by our ability to identify and recruit talented people to become the next generation of professional retail employees. Our Apprenticeship Programme is the platform for developing new enthusiastic recruits to meet the needs of our customers today and tomorrow.
We seek to ensure that our workforce properly reflects the society it serves and take action to attract Apprentices from increasingly diverse backgrounds into the profession. In this way we can benefit from the diversity of thought, innovation and creativity.
Volvo are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, taking all reasonable steps to encourage and identify the best talent and to creating an inclusive working environment where all staff are assisted and encouraged to reach full potential. In this way we have set the following objectives to improve inclusion, equality and diversity:
To communicate our commitment to equality and inclusion principles and practices
To take action to increase diversity within our Apprenticeship Programme
To monitor and measure our progress
To promote the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and respect towards all applicants
The best employers understand that creating a diverse and inclusive workplace can deliver business benefits, enabling us to bridge skill gaps and harness the talents of all employees. The Apprenticeship Recruitment & Selection Team make every effort to ensure that we are attracting and identifying the best talent for each retailer that we work with.
For more information, please speak with the team at any time during the recruitment process.
Dealer Interview Advice & Guidance
Dealer Interview Advice & Guidance
One of the final steps in your Application Process is to interview with your local Volvo Retailer. This is an opportunity for those candidates that have reached the latter stages of the process to meet their potential new employer. It’s important to be prepared and so we have compiled 5 great interview tips to give candidates a real edge!
Remember, the Apprenticeship Recruitment and Support Team are at the end of the phone to help if you need them and no question is a bad one.
1. Do your research
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail.
Doing the right research will stand you in really good stead and demonstrate that you are engaged with and genuinely interested in the job that you’ve applied for. You don’t need to be an expert as such…just ensure you know the top-line, important information.
TOP TIP:
Research each of the following:
- Volvo Cars
- Volvo’s brand, vision & values
- Know the Job Description (eg. What is a Parts Advisor?)
2. Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions such as:
- Why do you want to become an apprentice?
- Why do you want to be a Service Technician (or other)?
- Do you know what a Service Technician (or other) does?
- What can you tell me about your local Volvo Retailer? that you’ll be working for?
TOP TIP:
Practice telling someone (maybe a parent or guardian) why you’re applying, what the role entails and how enthusiastic you are. This will get you in the right mind-set.
3. Look the part
Appearances shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are suitable. Dressing one level above the job you’re applying for shows a desire to succeed.
TOP TIP:
The dealer will try and imagine you working for them. If you look like you’d fit in because you’re well presented, you’re one step ahead of those that don’t.
4. Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and they may be nervous too!
TOP TIP:
The BEST tip we can give you is to ask the interviewer questions! Have 2-3 prepared before you go in (examples below). Asking questions DURING the interview (and not right at the end) makes the interviewer do some talking, moves the focus away from you for a while, allows you to focus and compose yourself and most importantly, intelligent questions demonstrate to the interviewer your engagement with and understanding of the opportunity.
Questions that you might ask the employer:
- What’s it like to work here from your point of view?
- How will you support my learning and continual progression?
- Do you have any other apprentices? If yes, how many and how are they getting on?
- What are your ambitions for your new apprentice?
5. Demonstrate your enthusiasm!
The opportunity to embark on an apprenticeship should excite you. If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s not right for you. If the employer thinks that you’re enthusiastic, they’re more likely to be convinced that you’re right for the role and that you’ll work hard towards achieving your goals with them. Smile, shake them firmly by the hand, and talk positively about the opportunity and the environment.
TOP TIP:
There’s nothing wrong with being yourself in an interview. If you can get along with the interviewer, the whole process will be so much more positive. If the interviewer makes small talk, jump on the opportunity and engage in the conversation.
Remember, we’re here to support you. If you have any questions at any stage of the process, please let us know. The Recruitment & Support Team can be contact on 01235 538 611 or you can email [email protected]
Your life enhancing experience with Volvo starts here...
We have designed the application process to be as straight-forward and supportive as possible. We have opportunities right across the UK all year round and we would be delighted to hear from you.
Telephone Interview Guidance
Telephone Interview Guidance
The Telephone Interview is an important part of the recruitment process. Not all applicants will reach this stage but it’s important that if you do, you know what to expect. Importantly this is a great opportunity for you to tell us exactly why you are the perfect fit for the role and to ask us any burning questions that you might have.
Here are a few helpful bits of advice that will support you in understanding a little more about what the call will involve, what you need to prepare and at what stage of the selection process you’re at.
What is the phone interview for?
The phone interview is our opportunity to assess your suitability for the position and to help you understand whether the position is suitable for you. We will ask you some questions such as:
- Why have you applied for the opportunity?
- What has encouraged you to work in the motor industry?
- What ambitions do you have for your future career?
It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more. We would really encourage you to think about 3 or 4 questions that you might like to ask us.
What do I need to prepare?
The phone interview will likely last between 10-15 minutes and it’ll be led by one of the team here. There is little that you will need to do in advance but we really encourage you to consider the following:
- Make sure that you are ready to take the call and are in a suitable environment where you will not be disturbed. Is there enough battery in your phone?
- Make a list of some questions that you might want to ask us about the opportunity
- Be sure to show your enthusiasm and demonstrate that this is an opportunity that you really want to pursue. We don’t bite and just want to find out why you want to work with us so much!
- Be sure to have researched the role, read the job description and gain a good understanding of what the apprenticeship and role entail. You will find lots of information on the website. Sounds simple, but knowing what you might be doing is a great start!
What stage of the selection process am I at?
If you reach this stage in the process you’re doing really well. There are a few stages yet to come which will help us assess your suitability for the role a little further.
Candidates that are successful at this stage will be considered by the dealer for a face-to-face interview.
What if I’m unsuccessful following my phone interview?
Don’t worry…. Due to the large number of high calibre candidates that apply, applications may not always be successful. It is therefore possible that your application will not be progressed beyond the phone interview stage.
Be sure to ask for feedback as this is will no doubt support you in future applications and help you understand why you were unsuccessful.
This should not stop you applying for positions with us in future and we would encourage you to regularly review the website for new opportunities.
If you’d like to talk through your application in some more detail we’d be delighted to help. Feedback is an essential part of the recruitment process and will support you with your future job applications.
We’d highly recommend the service provided by the National Careers Service website. They’re available on the phone and via email.
Your life enhancing experience with Volvo starts here...
We have designed the application process to be as straight-forward and supportive as possible. We have opportunities right across the UK all year round and we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact
A state-of-the art training facility serving the Volvo Cars UK retailer network.
The Volvo Training & Development Centre
Prospect Way
Daventry
NN118QN
Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
Tel: 01327 530005
Get in Touch
Service Technician – Elliot Hanlon
Why did you want to become an apprentice with Volvo ?
I’ve always been interested in cars and mechanics from a very early age, and I am interested in the brands, so what better opportunity is there than working with such a great company who has strong environmental and ecological vision for the future of the motor industry.
What inspired you to want to work in the motor industry?
From a young age I have always liked fixing things, I am a hands on person and with my passion for cars, I believed it would be a great opportunity for me, doing something I really enjoy, turning this into a career with a company and brand that has history and a future.
What kind of support have you had from your Volvo Retailer and the Volvo Apprenticeship Programme?
I have been assigned a mentor, who guides me in my everyday tasks and also if I need any additional support, I can also speak to my Manager who is available whenever I need. This is backed up by regular reviews in the workplace from my Apprenticeship Development Coach as well as regular visits to the amazing Volvo Training & Development Centre.
What are your ambitions on completion of your apprenticeship?
My ambitions on completion of the apprenticeship programme are to become a qualified Master Technician, with views to becoming the Workshop Controller one day.
Service Technician – Matt Szudrawski
Why did you want to become an apprentice with Volvo?
This is the best opportunity I have ever had. I have always wanted to work for a prestige company and this apprenticeship also allows me to fulfil my ambition of working and fixing vehicles. At the same time I’ll be gaining a very good apprenticeship and it is the start of an exciting career.
What inspired you to want to work in the motor industry?
I have always been into cars, I like fixing and repairing them. When I am not at work, I am in the workshop with my friends messing about with cars.
What kind of support have you had from your Volvo Retailer?
At my Retailer, Marshall Cambridge I am able to speak to the Service Manager or my mentor, so I know if I need to talk, someone will always be available to support. The Apprenticeship Programme appoint a Coach/Mentor who will review my progress and performance as well as take a genuine interest in me and my career.
What are your ambitions on completion of your apprenticeship?
In 3 years I want to have completed my apprenticeship and to become a qualified Service Technician, working towards my Master Technician qualification.