Automotive Technical Trainer (VDA / Panel / Paint) | Circa £43,150 + excellent benefits | Permanent (part-time applicants considered!) | On-site
Have you ever thought about a career in training? Do you have experience in the automotive body repair industry working within a Bodyshop? Or maybe you’re already an experienced trainer in the automotive industry and looking for a new challenge. To fulfil the demand for our market leading Training products and services, we’re looking for Technical Trainers to join our amazing team in the Academy.
As a Technical Trainer at Thatcham, you’ll be part of a high performing supportive team, while working within a modern training environment using the latest vehicles, technology and equipment. You’ll be responsible for delivering first class quality training and assessment to delegates of all ages and levels in our state-of-the-art body repair training facility.
You don’t need previous experience in teaching or training to be considered for this role as full training and support will be provided. However, you will need hands-on experience of the vehicle body repair sector, in VDA (Vehicle Damage Assessment) or Paint.
Whether you are looking to enhance or reapply your skills or even begin a new career in training, if you have a passion for developing the skills and knowledge of others, then we want to hear from you.
Your mission
- Deliver high-quality blended training that meets the expectations of the customer and the business, maintaining quality and compliance to Ofsted and awarding body requirements.
- Ensure each delegate is supported in the development of skills and behaviours and is provided every opportunity to achieve a successful outcome.
- Conduct fair and objective evaluations, against agreed criteria, and provide in the moment feedback to delegates.
- Accountable for the welfare and wellbeing of all learners, including young and vulnerable people in education.
- Maintaining effective records of evidence, ensuring that portfolios of learner outcomes are maintained to awarding body standards.
- Create and maintain standardised training materials, ensuring that all courses have clear and precise schemes of work, lesson plans, training aims and objectives.
- Continuously evaluate the effectiveness and impact of our training programmes through peer-to-peer observations, delegate feedback, and other means
Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:
- Previous experience in automotive vehicle repair with competence in at least one of the following disciplines or roles:
- VDA (Vehicle Damage Assessment)
- Paint
- Excellent communication, written and verbal with confident and engaging presentation skills.
- Safe working practice and risk assessing in an automotive environment.
- Previous experience working with structured blended training programmes in high tech and complex industry sectors would be advantageous.
- A DBS check will be required and processed during onboarding for this role.
Did you know...
Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.
We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!
About you
You have an innovative approach and enjoy applying engaging techniques to your communication and presentation style, enabling you to easily hold the interest of your audience. You have the ability to translate technical and complex information and communicate this in a simple way according to your audience. Your excellent organisational skills allow you to plan effectively so that conflicting priorities are managed, and you continually seek personal and professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Perks & Benefits
Salary - Circa £43,150 negotiable, dependent on skills & experience.
- 10% non-contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
- Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work & tech scheme)
- Money Health Financial Wellbeing Platform
- Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
- Discounted gym membership
- Sports & Social club
- Payroll charitable giving
When we work
Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:45 Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 16:00 Fridays (talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you, or if you're looking for part-time hours!)
How we work
As a Technical Trainer you’ll be based on-site Monday to Friday at our Automotive Training Academy in Thatcham. Relocation support may be considered for the right candidate and discussed on application.
What we do
At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair.
With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre, Training Academy and Crime Lab, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry. Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.
Our Values
As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.
Beyond our silver membership in the Automotive 30% Club, we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.
Recruitment process
We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.
What can you expect from our recruitment process?
- Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
- An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
- First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
- Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
- Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
- An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above
We’re committed to removing invisible barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.