Trainee Estimator

  • Auto Skills UK
  • Stafford, Staffordshire
  • 07/10/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

TRAINEE VDA / ESTIMATOR
Location: Stafford
Salary: Up to £38,000 Depending on Experience
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday - Friday - 08:30 - 17:00

Looking to take your automotive accident repair experience into a new career path? If you're an experienced Panel Technician or Multi-Skilled MET Technician with strong Panel knowledge and you're ready to move away from purely hands-on repairs, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career into Vehicle Damage Assessment and Estimating.

With a salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience, alongside a Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 working pattern, you'll benefit from an excellent work-life balance while developing valuable VDA and estimating skills. Your existing technical knowledge will give you a strong foundation, and you'll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals within a modern accident repair environment and build towards a long-term career as a VDA / Estimator.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Competitive Salary - Up to £38,000 Depending on Experience
Monday to Friday Working Pattern
08:30 - 17:00 Working Hours
Full-Time, Permanent Position
Modern Workshop Environment
Ongoing Training & Development
Career Progression Opportunities

THE ROLE
As a Trainee VDA / Estimator, you will use your existing accident repair knowledge as the foundation for developing a career in Vehicle Damage Assessment and Estimating.

Working alongside experienced VDA/Estimators and the wider bodyshop team, you'll learn how to assess accident damage, identify appropriate repair methods, produce accurate estimates and understand the complete repair journey from initial assessment through to completion.

Key Responsibilities:
Assist with the inspection and assessment of accident-damaged vehicles
Learn to accurately identify vehicle damage and determine appropriate repair methods
Develop skills in preparing accurate repair estimates using relevant estimating systems
Identify additional damage and understand supplementary repair requirements
Work closely with Panel, MET and Paint Technicians to understand repair requirements and processes
Liaise professionally with customers, insurers and members of the bodyshop team
Develop an understanding of manufacturer repair methods, labour requirements and industry standards
Build knowledge and confidence to progress towards a fully competent VDA / Estimator position

ABOUT YOU
We're looking for an individual with proven experience within automotive accident repair who is now ready to develop their career away from a purely hands-on technical role.

The ideal candidate will have a background as a Panel Technician / Panel Beater or Multi-Skilled MET Technician with strong Panel experience and have a genuine interest in progressing into VDA / Estimating.

Proven experience within an automotive accident repair bodyshop essential
Previous experience as a Panel Technician / Panel Beater highly desirable
Multi-Skilled MET Technician with strong Panel knowledge also considered
Strong understanding of accident repair processes and vehicle construction
Good knowledge of Panel, MET and Paint repair methods
Ability to assess vehicle damage and understand appropriate repair requirements
Strong attention to detail with an accurate and methodical approach
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong desire to learn, develop and progress into a VDA / Estimator role
Organised with the ability to manage priorities effectively
Professional, reliable and motivated approach
IMI and/or ATA qualifications advantageous
Full UK Driving Licence preferred

Alternative Job Titles:
Trainee VDA / Trainee Vehicle Damage Assessor / Trainee Estimator / Junior VDA / Junior Estimator / Vehicle Damage Assessor / Bodyshop Estimator / Accident Repair Estimator / VDA Estimator / Automotive Estimator / Bodyshop VDA / Vehicle Repair Estimator / Panel Technician / Panel Beater / Multi-Skilled MET Technician

APPLY TODAY
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Panel Technician, Panel Beater or Multi-Skilled MET Technician with Panel experience to take the next step in their career and move into VDA / Estimating.

Offering up to £38,000 depending on experience, Monday to Friday working hours, ongoing training and genuine career progression, this is an opportunity to turn your existing accident repair knowledge into a rewarding long-term career within Vehicle Damage Assessment and Estimating.

If you're ready to use your technical experience in a new way and develop into a professional VDA / Estimator, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now for immediate consideration.

Contact UK - Job reference - 54723