Our Apprenticeship Programmes

When apprentices train at Thatcham Research’s Automotive Academy they have access to:

  • Top quality training methods, materials and resources
  • Technical specialists with industry expertise
  • The most advanced repair methods and standards within the industry
  • Support from a world-leading vehicle repair technology centre
  • A choice of Paint, Panel and M.E.T. intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships.
  • Functional skills, maths, English and ICT
  • Excellent pastoral care.

Support for Employer Partners

As experienced providers, Thatcham Research supports employers through each stage of the apprenticeship process to including:

Inform Attract Develop Retain
Expert advice given Vacancy matching service Training plans Post apprenticeship development plans
Funding rules explained Recruitment support On-programme coaching Career path options
Learner journey options Eligibility checking Workplace support Succession planning
Onboarding processes covered Functional skills evaluation Apprentice forums Pay and rewards

Customers include large organisations such as DLG Auto Services, Nationwide Repairs and Solus Accident Repair Centres, as well as many smaller companies all over the country.

To support non-levy organisations we deliver apprentice training as a sub-contractor to West Berkshire Training Consortium who provide the funding.

Quality Programmes

To ensure quality remains high, apprenticeship programmes are regularly assessed by Ofsted. Thatcham Research has maintained its Ofsted ‘Good’ status for the last five years. You can read the latest report here. Highlights from the report include:

  • Outstanding resources and outcomes for learners
  • Industry-leading learning environment
  • Good quality on and off-the-job training
  • Effective safeguarding
  • Above average achievement rates

Apprentice case studies

Kieren Cheung

Kieren Cheung completed his Level 3 apprenticeship with Thatcham Research and was one of three individuals to be crowned its ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for 2018.

Read Kieren's story

Henry Angus

Henry Angus has made an excellent start to his apprenticeship journey with Thatcham Research and started his Level 3 M.E.T. qualification September 2018.

Read Henry's story

Liam Morris

Liam Morris completed his Level 3 apprenticeship with Thatcham Research and was one of three individuals to be crowned its ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for 2018.

Read Liam's story

Dafydd Hughes

Dafydd Hughes completed his Level 3 Panel apprenticeship with Thatcham Research and was one of four individuals to be crowned its 'Apprentice of the Year' in 2019.

Read Dafydd's story

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