West Yorkshire Police jobs in Wakefield

Vehicle Body Builder – Vehicle Preparation Unit (VPU)

Job title: Vehicle Body Builder

Salary: £33,602 - £35,772 (Scale 6)

Contract: Permanent, full-time, 37 hours per week

Location: West Yorkshire

Reporting to: Assistant VPU Manager

Looking for a hands-on role where your craftsmanship directly supports frontline policing?

West Yorkshire Police are seeking a skilled and motivated Vehicle Body Builder to join the Transport Directorate’s Vehicle Preparation Unit (VPU).

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly skilled team, contributing to the preparation and maintenance of a diverse fleet of police and specialist vehicles. Your work will directly support operational policing, helping to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective service that enhances public confidence.

Role and Responsibilities

You will support the Vehicle Preparation Unit, with responsibilities including:

• Building, commissioning and de-commissioning a wide range of police and specialist vehicles to required quality standards and timescales
• Preparing vehicles in line with specifications, legislation and operational requirements
• Designing, fabricating and installing bespoke builds such as cell vans, dog vehicles, CSI vehicles and other specialist conversions
• Installing prefabricated equipment including cells, dog pods, livery and window film
• Carrying out fabrication repairs efficiently to minimise downtime of operational vehicles
• Working collaboratively with VPU colleagues, managers and end users to develop new vehicle builds and accessories
• Completing all fleet management documentation and maintaining accurate records
• Monitoring and maintaining stock levels of materials such as wood, plastics, steel and aluminium
• Undertaking basic electrical work including pre-wiring vehicles where required
• Supporting the development of apprentices and colleagues through training and guidance
• Maintaining a clean, safe working environment and complying with COSHH and Health & Safety regulations
• Attending training and development courses (internal and external)

Expectations

To succeed in this role, you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate strong practical skills across fabrication, coachbuilding or vehicle body repair
• Work independently from written and verbal instructions with minimal supervision
• Produce consistently high-quality work in a safe and cost-effective manner
• Maintain accurate records and complete all required documentation to a high standard
• Work collaboratively within a team and contribute to continuous improvement and innovation
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards and safe working practices at all times
• Support operational demands, including working at alternative locations when required

Essential Criteria

• Completed apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in fabrication, coachbuilding or joinery
• Level 3 City & Guilds / NVQ / Cert Tech in fabrication/coachbuilding/joinery or equivalent
• Proven experience within a recognised motor vehicle environment (desirable)
• Knowledge and experience of working with materials such as wood, metal, plastic and glazing
• Understanding of COSHH and Health & Safety regulations
• Basic IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
• Good communication, numeracy and literacy skills
• Full, current UK/European driving licence (essential)
• Physically capable of undertaking the duties of the role

Benefits / What We Offer

West Yorkshire Police employees benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support wellbeing, development and work–life balance, including:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (plus bank holidays)
• 37-hour working week (Monday–Friday)
• Generous sick pay scheme
• Overtime opportunities during periods of high workload
• Career pathways (in development)
• Salary sacrifice schemes (including car leasing and Cycle to Work)
• Discounts on Metro Card and Blue Light Card membership
• Learning and development opportunities, including accredited programmes
• Flexible working arrangements and flexi-time schemes (role dependent)
• Membership of sports and social clubs
• Free membership to the College of Policing
• Access to Trade Unions and the Police Federation
• Attractive pension scheme (West Yorkshire Pension Fund)

How to Apply

Join West Yorkshire Police in a critical technical role where your skills will support frontline operational policing, and where you will play a key role in building and maintaining the vehicles that keep West Yorkshire Police moving.

To apply please go onto our website and apply. Only applicants who have applied via our website will be progressed.

The successful candidate will be subject to relevant vetting checks prior to appointment.

Interviews will take place week commencing 17th of August.

The closing date for this vacancy is 2nd August 2026 at 23:55 hours.

Pay: £33,602.00-£35,772.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person