Collision Repair Technician

About Fleet Services

The police vehicle fleet is an important physical asset. It enables officers and staff to do their job, carries key equipment required, and provides safe transportation for the public / prisoners.

 The role of Fleet Services is to keep the Met mobile, ensuring we can detect, respond to, and prevent crime whilst building public trust and confidence. Fleet Services are committed to leading with innovation, responsibility and environmental consciousness, striving for a fleet that is safer, smarter and cleaner, with a focused approach as follows:

1 - We will manage responsibly to deliver an excellent service and achieve value for money

2 - We will deliver strategies to manage the fleet efficiently and effectively

3 - We will deliver a fit-for-purpose, flexible and available fleet

The complex needs of modern policing requires a wide range of vehicle types. We operate a fleet of over 5,200 assets on the road and river, as well as over 1,000 pedal cycles. London is the most complex and diverse city in the UK, and our fleet is reflective of that. We currently have over 220 different types of vehicles supporting all operational commands including armed response vehicles, HGVs, patrol cars, motorbikes and pedal cycles.

Customers can be broadly grouped into three strategic pillars – Frontline Policing, Met Ops & Performance, and Counter Terrorism / Specialist Operations. Collectively this covers pan London requirements as well as national CT responsibilities.

The overall fleet requirements and volumes are owned and governed by operational leaders at the Strategic Fleet Board. Operational teams are accountable for the volume of fleet required to undertake their roles, and Fleet Services support and enable effective decision making through provision of information and technical / industry knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

Individuals will need to be either general Collision Repair Technicians, Panel Beaters, or Painters. Individuals will therefore need to be able to perform some of the below responsibilities: 

• Vehicle Repair- Repair fleet within Fleet Services’ workshop by providing efficient collision repairs on the vehicle fleet. Reduce vehicle repair costs and maximise fleet availability by ensuring collision repairs on the vehicle fleet are timely and necessary. Support the Collision Repair Supervisor in maintaining an effective and efficient service.
• Vehicle information – Research and collate correct repair information / specifications and use information to accurately determine a repair or replacement of structural and non-structural panels
• Body work – Realign vehicle bodies using specialist alignment jig’s utilising hydraulic and mechanical equipment. Perform all types of body panel fitment techniques, welding, brazing and bonding to meet manufacturer’s warranty and safety standards
• Inspection and diagnosis- Visually inspect and road test vehicles, interpreting feedback from the vehicle’s correct function. An understanding of diagnostic equipment.
• Data / Information- Accurately record obtained measurements and data on completed work, compiling technical reports where necessary. Read, interpret and analyse wiring diagrams, making use of interactive guides available from various manufacturers’ diagnostic equipment and web-based mediums.
• Development / training- Take responsibility for personal development and keep up to date with relevant standards and legislation.
• Support colleagues- Transfer knowledge and skills to apprentices / less technical staff.

Knowledge and Skills

• Fleet Services- Understands how fleet services work
• Repair materials – Different types of materials used within structural and non-structural vehicle construction concerning crumple zones and procedures for repair, or repairs and refinishing
• Repair methods - ADAS and Pedestrian Protection Systems and the importance of repair methods and calibration. Body and chassis alignment and how to operate both bracket and measuring alignment jigs. All methods and repair procedures, the measured tools and calculations required to make professional decisions on a safe method of repair and serviceability of all safety related items.
• Welding - Specialist welding equipment and the various joint techniques used in vehicle body repairs
• Protection requirements– All vehicle manufacturers’ corrosion protection requirements to comply with vehicle warranty.
• Refinishing – range of refinishing products
• Police Equipment- Police warning and communication systems, high technology surveillance equipment fitted. Specific vehicle conversions and unique specialist on-board equipment
• Health & Safety- Health and Safety in Motor Vehicle Repair and Associated Industries (HSG261) and in particular the safe management of roadside repairs. Awareness of general risk assessments, COSHH regulations and Health and Safety regulations, pertinent to the vehicle maintenance industry
• Prioritise work- Ability to prioritise and work flexibly to meet the shifting demands of the user base and provide support to the workshop in case of planned or unexpected surges
• Accountability - Drives to achieve in all aspects of work and demonstrates resilience, accountability and determination to manage difficult situations
• Communication- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with staff and officers at all levels
• Problem solving- Work well equally alone or as part of a team with a methodical and thorough approach to problem solving

Experience

• Industry experience – at least 5 years relevant experience within the repair industry
• Certifications / Apprenticeship – NVQ Level 3 in vehicle body repair / ATA accredited (or equivalent).
• Manufacturers – Working with a wide range of manufacturers
• Resistance Spot Welding- IMIA-AOMS-009-15 Resistance Spot Welding (or equivalent). (Desirable)
• Mig / Mag Welding - BS4872 Mig Welding (or equivalent) / BS1140 Mag Welding (or equivalent). (Desirable)
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - City and Guilds in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Handling (6187). (Desirable)

Disability Confident Statement 

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about police fitness standards.

Read our full disability confidence statement.