After highlighting the journeys of Hayden Bird and Reece Williams, last but certainly not least in our National Apprenticeship Week celebration is Daniel Davies.
Daniel has successfully completed his apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified Vehicle Panel Technician at Individual Specialist Cars. His journey demonstrates the value of hands-on training, perseverance, and the importance of structural vehicle repairs in the accident repair industry.
A Vehicle Panel Beater (Panel Technician) is responsible for restoring and repairing a car’s bodywork after an accident. This highly skilled role involves:
✔️ Assessing vehicle damage and determining the best repair method
✔️ Removing, repairing, and replacing damaged panels to manufacturer standards
✔️ Working with aluminium and carbon fibre materials
✔️ Using specialist tools for dent removal, welding, and realigning chassis structures
At Individual Specialist Cars, our Panel Technicians work on prestige and high-performance vehicles, ensuring that every repair meets manufacturer-approved standards.
To learn more about his experience, we sat down with Daniel Davies to discuss his apprenticeship journey, the challenges he overcame, and his future ambitions in the industry.
Q&A with Daniel
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Panel Technician?
"I enjoy problem-solving, and panel repair feels like a challenge I can take on and fix. Every job is different, which keeps it interesting."
Why did you choose to complete your apprenticeship at Individual Specialist Cars?
"The business has a lot of equipment and a variety of jobs, which gave me the chance to learn different techniques and work on all kinds of repairs."
How did you balance the study and practical work aspects of your apprenticeship?
"I made sure to do most of my studying in my free time so I could focus on learning hands-on skills while at work."
What was the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship experience?
"Gaining experience and learning new skills from my mentors. Working with a great team made a big difference."
Were there any challenges you faced during your training, and how did you overcome them?
"One of the biggest challenges for me was filler repairs. At first, I found them difficult, but after lots of practice and advice from my mentors, I improved and became much more confident."
Can you describe a moment or project during your apprenticeship that you're particularly proud of?
"One of my biggest achievements was doing a quarter panel change on my own. At first, I didn’t feel ready for it, but with encouragement and support from my mentors, I completed the job, and it turned out great."
How has qualifying as a Panel Technician changed your perspective on the automotive industry?
"It hasn’t changed much—I still really enjoy it, and I’m learning something new every day."
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in the panel department?
"Listen, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Take on challenges and learn from them."
What skills do you think are most important for a Panel Technician to have?
"Patience is the most important skill. You won’t always get it right the first time, and rushing can make things worse."
Would you recommend this career path to others, and why?
"Yes, definitely! If you enjoy problem-solving, taking on challenges, and have a passion for the motor industry, this is a great career to go into."
What are your future career aspirations now that you've qualified?
"Now that I’m qualified, I want to keep improving my skills and gaining more experience in vehicle body repairs. My goal is to become even more confident in my work while continuing to be part of the amazing team at Individual Specialist Cars."
The Importance of Automotive Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a direct pathway into the UK automotive repair industry, ensuring that new talent is trained to meet modern vehicle repair standards.
By combining structured learning at leading training providers like Sandwell College with real-world experience at accident repair centres like Individual Specialist Cars, apprentices gain:
✔️ Industry-recognised qualifications accredited by the IMI:Institute of the Motor Industry
✔️ Specialist skills in structural repairs, aluminium bodywork, and welding
✔️ Career progression opportunities in a high-demand sector
As we conclude our National Apprenticeship Week series, we celebrate Daniel’s, Reece's & Hayden's achievements and the value of apprenticeships in shaping the future of the automotive industry.
