Thatcham Research Automotive Academy provides world-class apprenticeship training in state-of-the-art facilities. We predict vehicles will change more in the next five years than they have in the last 50. That presents the vehicle repair sector with a major challenge. We recognise this challenge and have been sharing our expertise and providing technical training to develop highly skilled young people through our Apprentice Academy. Apprenticeships are essential to assuring a future ready and sustainable UK body repair industry and in addressing the growing skills gap.
- Ofsted good rating
- Modern, relevant curriculum
- Focused on future industry needs
- Market leading success rates
- Effective safeguarding and pastoral care
Automotive apprentices are an essential part of any thriving bodyshop, future proofing businesses with skilled, motivated young people who represent the bodyshop managers and industry leaders of tomorrow.
These apprentices represent UK employers from both the independent repair network and insurance industry. With over 15 years of experience, Thatcham Research supports employers through each stage of the apprenticeship process, taking learners from novice to expert.
To read the latest Ofsted report, please click here.
We offer a blended approach to the delivery of apprenticeships. This includes eLearning delivered by our online portal, ecademy, and training at our world class training facility at Thatcham, Berkshire. We also provide support in the workplace by our development coaches.
- Paint – for more information, click here: ST0448 (instituteforapprenticeships.org)
- Panel – for more information, click here: ST0403 (instituteforapprenticeships.org)
- M.E.T. – for more information, click here: ST0405 (instituteforapprenticeships.org)
- VDA – for more information, click here: st0406_vehicle-damage-assessor_l4_-ap_cycle-18_for-publication-clean-150419.pdf (instituteforapprenticeships.org)
Located close to Newbury in Berkshire, our Automotive Academy is a world-class facility that has been designed to support the effective delivery of instructor-led learning.
We have invested in the state-of-the-art equipment and tools and the near-surgical cleanliness of our workshop reflects the clinical approach that’s needed to repair today’s vehicles.
Our facilities have been approved by the Government’s Education & Skills Funding Agency, and we are proud to be on its Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (ROATP).
All of our trainers hold, as a minimum, a Level 3 qualification in Education and Training. We invest in ongoing training and continuous professional development to ensure they stay at the forefront of the repair industry – and able to deliver the very latest training.