Dunstable Paint Technician

Summary

Solus offers an award‑winning apprenticeship programme that helps people build careers in automotive repair through paid, hands‑on learning and industry‑recognised training. Our programme has been recognised nationally, including winning Best Apprentice Programme, and provides clear routes into long‑term technical and leadership careers.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training courseVehicle damage paint technician (level 3)

HoursMonday – Friday, between 8.00am – 5.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 2026

Duration

2 years

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Prepare vehicle panels for painting (cleaning, sanding, masking)
Mix and apply primers, base coats and top coats under supervision
Assist with colour matching and paint finishing (polishing, minor rectification)
Help maintain paint equipment and keep the spray area clean and safe

Where you’ll work

Solus Dunstable
Unit 29 Woodside Industrial Estate
Dunstable Bedfordshire
LU5 4TT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THATCHAM RESEARCH

Training course

Vehicle damage paint technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you’ll learn

Course contents

Ability to undertake appropriate job preparation prior to commencing repair e.g. substrate surface preparation, paint volume calculation etc
Ability to correctly identify the substrate materials to be refinished e.g. plastic, steel, aluminium etc
Ability to interpret relevant technical data and methods to create paint manufactures specified application
Ability to use refinishing materials following paint manufacturer specifications to reinstate vehicle finish back to high quality
Ability to identify and operate the correct repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g mixing systems, paint booths, UV lamps and spray equipment

Training schedule

They will complete their training through block‑release, attending college in week‑long periods a few times per year rather than attending one or two days each week
During these training weeks, we provide all travel, accommodation and meals to support their learning

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working

About this employer

Solus is one of the largest body repair groups in the country, employing over 1000 expert people across 27 UK locations and have repaired over 700,000 vehicles in the last 15 years and is wholly owned by Aviva -Up to £5,250.00 per annum in additional bonus -Our excellent benefits and rewards packages -Employer matched pension contributions up to 7.5% (service dependent) -Discounts on Aviva products and services -Savings and benefits schemes -Discounts and schemes for electric vehicle purchase for all employees -Holding several main manufacturer approvals – Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini, and Volkswagen -Well known for prestigious award winning in the industry, customer service, apprenticeships, and IT systems fields -Links with Thatcham to get the best products and training here in the UK -We have a variety of locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. -We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job.

https://www.solusgroup.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

They can progress with different courses to become specialists in their field, or they can progress into leadership roles at site or in a support function
Many of our people across the business started as an apprentice