Apprentice+ Prospectus UK

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LKQ Apprentice+ Programme

An LKQ programme designed to supercharge an apprentice’s skills, confidence and real world capability – beyond the classroom.

What is the Apprentice + Programme? The LKQ Apprentice+ Programme is a specialist enhancement programme designed to run alongside an apprentice’s existing learning pathway, no matter which route they are taking — Paint, MET, Panel, VDA or other bodyshop disciplines. It gives apprentices dedicated time away from the classroom to apply, practise, and refine their skills in a safe, supportive environment. Apprentices learn beyond the basics, gaining hands on experience with real repair challenges, sustainability focused techniques, across end to end repair processes.

All training is delivered by leading industry technicians, supported by supplier partners, and best of all completed alongside like minded apprentices who are on the similar learning journeys. The programme is IMI certified and built on the understanding that classroom learning alone cannot provide the depth of practical application required in today’s evolving bodyshop industry.

What’s Included in the Programme? • Learning pathways covering the full repair journey: • Practical Sessions: Health and Safety, Panel Repair, Paint, MET, Quality Control, Profitability and Sustainability • eLearning Sessions: Hybrid and EV, General Workshop Safety, Hand/Arm Vibration Awareness and COSHH • Graduation on completion • Access to LKQ Academy eLearning modules • Dedicated time with industry leading suppliers • Complementary equipment or tools provided on each practical pathway • Training delivered by industry experts. Who Is This Programme For? • Apprentices at any stage of their learning journey • Apprentices wanting to connect with others in the industry • Individuals seeking additional hands on practice beyond classroom learning.

What Else Do I Need to Know? • All practical learning is delivered in person at LKQ Academy, Tamworth • Programme commences September 2026, with a pathway scheduled every 6 weeks (full schedule shared upon registration) • Online introduction session held in August • Two cohorts per year, with 8 places per cohort • Programme cost: £599.00 + VAT (payable on start date). Please note: • Travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the attendee • Apprenticeship levy funding is not applicable to this course • Limited spaces available — closing date for applications is 20th August.

How Do I Apply? Register your interest at LKQAcademy.co.uk. Once your application is submitted, a member of our team will contact you to confirm acceptance onto the programme.

Contents

Course Description

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Pathway 1

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Pathway 2

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Pathway 3

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Pathway 4

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Pathway 5

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Pathway 6

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E Pathways

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Your Study Programme The Apprentice+ study programme is built around a series of learning pathways that give apprentices a complete, practical understanding of the repair process while preparing them for the realities of a modern bodyshop. Each pathway has been designed to cover all core areas of repair, regardless of an apprentice’s chosen discipline and introduces them to real world challenges such as sustainability, new materials, evolving repair methods and the pace of a live workshop. By combining hands on practice with guidance from LKQ experts, apprentices learn how to apply techniques confidently and safely in genuine repair scenarios, building the problem solving skills, technical

capability, and professional behaviours needed to thrive in today’s repair environment.

During each pathway, apprentices will be required to show understanding of their learning via a written or practical assessment.

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PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

Health and Safety: The Compliance Code Nothing you do at work will be as important as going home SAFE to your family and loved ones, so this feels like the best place to start. The pathway will cover health and safety best practices to ensure that colleague safety is always a first-and-foremost priority in the bodyshop. The day starts with informal introductions, giving apprentices the chance to meet those who will be on journey with them.

Panel Repair: Building the Foundation The vehicle’s repair journey starts at its foundation, panel repairs. This pathway will look at how the repair process has evolved through history and the ever-increasing complexity of vehicle repairs.

The practical element will cover dent reduction and the correct filler process.

Attendees will be given guidance and learn techniques for the following processes:

• Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from U-POL and receive gifted equipment to support them along the pathway • Dent reduction: Covering dent reduction using the ‘Push to Paint’ method, where the size of damages is reduced using the ‘hot glue’ technique

• Correct filler processes: Attendees will then learn more

• Introductions: Attendees will meet their fellow apprentices • Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from 3M and receive gifted equipment to support them on the pathway • Tour of T1 LKQ Academy and warehouse: Attendees will have the chance to see the LKQ Academy and warehouse first hand • Classroom training session: Covering health and safety and legislation

• Issues and solutions: In pairs, attendees will explore LKQ Academy to identify mocked-up health and safety issues, along with a Q&A.

about the correct selection, mixing and application of the filler needed.

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PATHWAY 3

PATHWAY 4

Paint: Achieving the Flawless Finish This focuses on what is often referred to as the ‘art’ required for today’s modern coatings. In this pathway attendees will explore how the repair process has evolved through history and the ever-increasing complexity of vehicle repairs and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) colours. The practical session will cover specialist colours process, before providing attendees with the chance to show off their creativeness on a panel that they can then take away as a keepsake.

MET: Deconstruct to Reconstruct This pathway investigates the mechanical, electrical and trim (MET) basics and best practices for stripping and rebuilding vehicle parts.

After all, a vehicle stripped correctly will fit back together correctly.

Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from Laser and receive gifted equipment to support them along the pathway Hands-on method training session 1: Working on a door, attendees will remove; drop glass, window regulator, locks mechanisms, door membrane and all door fittings

Hands-on method training session 2: Working on a different door, attendees will refit; drop glass, window regulator, lock mechanisms, membrane, and all door fittings.

• Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from Devilbiss and receive gifted equipment to support them along the pathway • Classroom training session: Attendees will learn about the history of paint and how it has evolved to the current colour trends and styles, looking at colour perception, fashion influences and OEM trends

• Hands-on training session: Attendees will take part in a guided task to follow the correct process to colour match a three-stage pearl panel • The ‘art’ part: Attendees will be encouraged to get creative and follow a design on a panel using precise mini spray gun control and masking techniques whilst understanding colour complements, before looking at clear coating methods.

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PATHWAY 5

PATHWAY 6

Quality Control: The Final Pass This pathway is designed to help attendees provide the highest quality customer experience when delivering a smooth and professional return of the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Attendees will learn about post-vehicle inspections and potential fault identification and removal.

Profitability and Sustainability: The Efficiency Engine Sustainability doesn’t necessarily mean additional cost, but it does mean change. This pathway focuses on three core pillars, product, process and equipment to help bodyshops thrive both short and long term. Attendees will gain an understanding of the costs involved with consumables and utilities when repairing vehicles, along with sustainable options for a greener planet.

• Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from Mirka and receive gifted equipment to support them along the pathway • Hands-on training session: Guiding attendees through QC post-inspection best practices, including training on how to identify possible faults

• Paint faults and identification: Attendees will learn how to identify paint faults, possible causes and rectification.

• Meet the sponsor: Attendees will meet representatives from LKQ technical team who will run a fun interactive session to challenge the attendees on guessing how much impact the smallest change can have • Classroom training session includes: VOC and CO2 reduction: Identifying how new processes can help lower emissions

• Waste and recycling solutions: Covering best practice, products and equipment to support the reduction of waste in the bodyshop • Cost reduction: Understanding methods used to enhance profitability.

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eLearning Pathways

This online training course is suitable for anyone who works in a workshop. This training provides information about general safety awareness and is essential for employees to know the best practises in remaining safe when working in a workshop. In 2025, over 38 million working days were lost due eLearning pathway 2

Follow-up courses will enable attendees to train from a location of their choice. Each e-path is designed for your safety at work. eLearning pathway 1 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Awareness 2 hours.

General Workshop Safety: 35 minutes

to work related ill-health. This course will help employees to reduce the risk of injury by learning about their responsibilities, possible hazards, the common accidents, the safety signs and the Do’s and Don’t’s of workplace safety.

Hybrid and electric vehicle awareness covers the origins of hybrid technology, the components of hybrid systems, and the different types of hybrids, including plug‑in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. It also introduces key safety topics such as high‑voltage isolation, electrocution risks, and proper jacking

and lifting procedures. Additional areas include identifying hybrid vehicles, understanding ready mode, hydrogen fuel cell basics, auxiliary batteries, and the acoustic vehicle alerting system. The training concludes with bodyshop considerations, health precautions, charging safety, and an overall summary of hybrid and EV awareness.

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eLearning Pathways

Employees who are frequently exposed to vibrations are in danger of becoming a victim of effects that are accumulative, progressive, and irreversible. These effects are preventable as long as the person is trained on how to reduce harmful exposure to vibrations. This course looks at how to recognise the early signs of HAVS and what to do to make sure the damage doesn’t become permanent. Additionally, it covers both the employers and employees responsibility when working towards compliance with The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. eLearning pathway 3

This training course was designed with all levels of employees in mind and covers all the information necessary to keep the user and their colleagues safe from substances that may be potentially harmful to their health. eLearning pathway 4

Hand/Arm Vibration Awareness: 20 minutes

COSHH - Control of Substances Hazardous to Health: 25 minutes

Seeing as hazardous substances account for around 650,000 deaths every year, it is crucial that any employee who works with chemicals (even household chemicals like bleach)

understand their responsibilities under COSHH Regulations and how to reduce the chances of an incident occurring.

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After successful completion of the pathways and eLearning, all cohorts and their managers will be invited to attend a graduation at LKQ Head Offices in Tamworth. Graduation Day