MET Technician Jobs

The MET (Metal, Electrical and Trim) Technician is an essential specialist within the automotive bodyshop, responsible for the skilled strip-down of damaged vehicles before structural and paint work begins and the precise refit of all mechanical, electrical and trim components once the body repair and refinishing are complete. Without accurate MET work, the highest-quality panel repair and paint finish cannot be correctly presented, tested or returned to the customer - making the MET Technician an integral part of every accident repair cycle from initial assessment through to final quality check.

The MET Technician's scope is technically broad: removing and refitting bumper systems and their support structures, headlamp and tail light assemblies with their associated wiring harnesses, door trim panels, interior components, glass, sensors and radar units for ADAS system recalibration, airbag modules, structural reinforcement components, cooling system parts in front-end structural repairs and bodyshop-related mechanical components including suspension mounts and subframes where the repair scope requires. The quality and accuracy with which these components are removed, stored and refitted has a direct bearing on the finished vehicle's electrical function, structural integrity and customer satisfaction.

As modern vehicles carry increasingly dense sensor arrays, complex wiring harnesses and ADAS components within their exterior structures, the MET Technician who understands how to handle, store and refit these systems without introducing electrical faults, calibration errors or door seal leaks is one of the most technically valued people on the bodyshop floor.

Venatu recruits MET Technicians for permanent and contract roles across franchised dealer bodyshops, independent accident repair centres, bodyshop network operators, manufacturer-approved repair facilities and volume accident repair businesses throughout the UK. This role sits within our car dealership recruitment division.

Who We Recruit For

We place candidates with:

• Franchised car dealer bodyshops and accident repair departments
• Independent and network accident repair centres
• Manufacturer-approved bodyshop and accident repair networks
• Insurance-approved repair centres and volume accident repair businesses
• Classic, prestige and specialist vehicle restoration bodyshops
• Fleet accident management and VMU facilities with bodyshop sections

Roles We Place

• MET Technician
• Metal, Electrical and Trim Technician
• Vehicle Strip and Refit Technician
• MET Technician (ADAS and Sensor Systems)
• Senior MET Technician
• MET Technician Team Leader
• MET Trainee (Developing)

Who Can Apply

Strong MET Technician candidates typically come from:

• Experienced MET Technicians at accident repair centres or dealer bodyshops who want to move to a new employer, a busier or better-equipped bodyshop or an improved package
• Vehicle Technicians from franchise workshops who have developed strong knowledge of vehicle assembly, trim systems, wiring harness routing and component fastener types through their general repair work and want to move into a dedicated MET role within a bodyshop environment
• Auto Electricians with vehicle wiring harness and body electrical experience who want to develop into a full MET Technician role encompassing mechanical and trim strip and refit alongside the electrical dimension they already hold
• Bodyshop Preppers who have been working within an accident repair centre, have developed familiarity with vehicle panel systems and trim removal procedures and want to develop into a fully qualified MET Technician role with broader strip-down and refit accountability
• Classic vehicle restoration specialists or coachbuilders who have developed extensive knowledge of vehicle body structures, trim systems and assembly techniques across a wide range of vehicle types and want to apply that knowledge within a commercial accident repair environment
• Apprentices completing a vehicle body repair or vehicle maintenance qualification who want to specialise into the MET role within a bodyshop and develop the full strip-and-refit skill set under experienced supervision
• Technicians from vehicle preparation and de-fleet businesses who have developed component removal, storage and cosmetic refurbishment skills and want to develop into the more technically demanding bodyshop MET role

IMI ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) at the relevant MET grade is the most widely recognised vocational accreditation for MET Technician work and is expected or supported by most professional accident repair operations. City and Guilds or IMI Level 2 or Level 3 in Vehicle Body Repair provides a relevant qualification foundation. An understanding of ADAS sensor and radar unit handling and storage requirements is increasingly valuable as modern vehicle repair scope expands to include sensor recalibration after structural work. Venatu confirms all qualification and ADAS-specific requirements with each employer before presenting candidates.

MET Technician Salary Guide

Volume accident repair centres and manufacturer-approved networks typically offer structured pay progressions linked to ATA accreditation grades. Flat rate commission structures may apply at some bodyshops where the MET Technician's pay is linked to times achieved on strip and refit job cards. Venatu benchmarks total package expectations with each employer before beginning a search. Visit the HR Hub for broader context on bodyshop technical role remuneration.

What the Role Involves

Strip-Down Before Repair:

• Receiving vehicles allocated for MET strip following Damage Assessor or Estimator assessment, reviewing the repair scope and identifying all components requiring removal to allow the Bodyshop Manager and panel repair team to access the damaged structure correctly
• Removing bumper skins, bumper supports, crash beams, foam absorbers and associated mounting brackets, identifying and safely storing any integrated radar units, parking sensors, pedestrian protection sensors and lane assist camera assemblies in accordance with the manufacturer's ADAS component handling requirements
• Removing headlamp and tail lamp assemblies with their associated wiring harness connectors, adaptive headlamp motor assemblies, integral ambient light sensors and wiper control sensors where fitted to the lamp unit
• Removing door trim panels, door cards, window winding mechanisms, door mirror assemblies and associated wiring, door handle and lock assemblies and door aperture seals, storing each component in a way that prevents damage during the repair process
• Removing glass where required for structural bonding repair access, working with the glass technician or removing glass personally where within the MET Technician's scope and the employer's process
• Removing structural reinforcement panels, strut top mounts, subframe sections and associated mechanical components where the repair scope requires access to or replacement of structural elements behind or beneath the exterior panel work

Refit After Repair:

• Refitting all stripped components accurately after panel repair and paint work is complete, ensuring all fixing clips, bolts and adhesive bonded components are correctly secured, all wiring harness connections are fully engaged and tested, and all trim and sealing components are correctly aligned and sealed
• Checking all electrical components for correct function after refit, including headlamps, tail lamps, parking sensors, door locking and window operation, confirming that no wiring damage or connection fault was introduced during the strip or repair process
• Refitting ADAS components including radar units, cameras and ultrasonic sensors to the correct torque and alignment specification before the vehicle proceeds to ADAS calibration, following the manufacturer's precise reinstallation procedure to ensure calibration can be completed successfully
• Confirming door, bonnet and boot lid alignment and shut quality after refit, adjusting hinges, catches and strikers to restore factory specification fit and operation

Quality and Communication:

• Completing job cards accurately for each strip and refit operation, recording times against each task and noting any additional damage or defects identified during the strip that were not captured in the original assessment for communication to the Bodyshop Controller or repair planner
• Communicating any component breakages, missing fixings or unexpected damage found during strip-down promptly so that parts can be ordered without delaying the panel repair programme

How the Process Works

For employers:

1. Submit a vacancy with the bodyshop type, volume of work, any ATA accreditation requirements and the degree of ADAS component and sensor handling involved.
2. We confirm candidate availability and accreditation status and present a pre-screened shortlist within five working days.
3. Candidates are assessed for MET strip and refit competency, electrical handling capability and ATA or equivalent accreditation.
4. Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout.

For candidates:

1. Register your CV with your bodyshop experience, ATA or IMI accreditation level, vehicle types worked on and any ADAS system handling experience.
2. A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
3. Roles are matched to your MET specialism, preferred bodyshop type and geography.
4. Venatu manages the process and advises on package expectations ahead of offer.

Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.

FAQ

What does MET stand for and what does a MET Technician do? MET stands for Metal, Electrical and Trim. A MET Technician carries out the skilled strip-down of damaged vehicles before structural and paint repairs begin and the precise refit of all mechanical, electrical and trim components once the repair work is complete. This includes bumper systems, lighting assemblies, door trim, glass, sensors, ADAS components and structural reinforcement parts. The accuracy of MET work directly affects the quality of the finished repair and the correct function of every refitted component.

How is a MET Technician different from a Panel Beater? A Panel Beater specialises in reshaping, straightening and replacing damaged metal panels and structural components - the physical metalwork of the repair. The MET Technician's role is complementary: stripping the vehicle so that the Panel Beater has unobstructed access to the damaged metalwork, then refitting everything accurately once the metal repair and paint work are complete. In some smaller bodyshops technicians perform both roles, but in professional accident repair centres the disciplines are separated to maximise the quality and efficiency of each stage.

How is the MET Technician role changing as vehicles become more technologically complex? Modern vehicles carry radar, camera, ultrasonic and lidar sensors integrated into bumper systems, wing mirrors, windscreens and front grilles that require careful handling, storage and precise reinstallation at specific torque settings before ADAS calibration can take place. An incorrectly fitted sensor bracket can cause a calibration failure that delays vehicle return and creates customer dissatisfaction. MET Technicians who understand the handling requirements of each ADAS system, follow manufacturer reinstallation procedures precisely and communicate sensor condition and alignment to the calibration team are adding significant value to the bodyshop's quality and efficiency. Read about how technology is changing every dimension of the automotive sector in The Evolution Of Automobiles.

What accreditation does a MET Technician need? IMI ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) at the MET grade is the most widely recognised professional accreditation for MET Technicians and is expected or supported by most professional accident repair operations. City and Guilds or IMI Level 2 or 3 in Vehicle Body Repair provides a relevant qualification foundation. Some manufacturers and insurance network-approved repair programmes specify minimum ATA standards for MET Technicians working in their approved repairer networks. Venatu confirms all accreditation requirements with each employer before presenting candidates.

What does a MET Technician earn in the UK? Experienced MET Technicians typically earn between £32,000 and £44,000. Senior MET Technicians earn between £38,000 and £50,000. Team leader roles sit between £40,000 and £54,000. Flat rate structures at some bodyshops reward productive technicians above base. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each employer before beginning a search.

What is the progression from MET Technician? Common progression routes include Senior MET Technician, MET Team Leader, Bodyshop Controller and Bodyshop Manager. MET Technicians who develop strong ADAS component knowledge, ATA accreditation and team leadership skills are in the strongest position for bodyshop management career development. Those with both MET and panel repair skills are among the most versatile and commercially mobile technicians in the accident repair sector.

Register or Enquire

Candidates - Register your CV with your bodyshop experience, ATA or IMI accreditation, vehicle types worked on and any ADAS handling experience. Venatu will match you to current MET Technician vacancies across franchised dealer bodyshops, accident repair centres and bodyshop networks, including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.

Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your MET Technician requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.