Apprenticeships are work-based courses which involve learning and gaining qualifications while working for an employer. An apprentice works at the employer’s premises, gaining practical experience and skills while working towards a qualification which is relevant to their job.
A motor vehicle technician services and repairs light vehicles such as cars and vans and works either in dealerships that focus on a particular manufacturer, or for an independent garage that deals with many different makes of vehicles. They work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through
to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The day-to-day tasks faced by the technician are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques. Today’s apprentice has to demonstrate expertise in the technical side of their role. They must have strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of a vehicle’s systems. They must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member, understand how their work shop and the dealership/garage functions from a commercial perspective, have good customer handling skills and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently.
The growing complexity of today’s vehicles, and the pressure to deliver a high-quality customer experience, requires the retail automotive sector to attract and train high calibre individuals and this is reflected in the elements of the Standard described below.
On successful completion of the programme, the apprentice will have the competency to achieve the following in the workplace:
• Carry out the foundation tasks common to all procedures e.g. removing and replacing bolts, screws and clips, replacing seals, extracting damaged fasteners, cutting, drilling, filing, using fabrication skills etc.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the dealership/ garage’s business processes (e.g. environmental awareness, servicing a vehicle, record keeping, customer contact) and standard workshop operations.
• Access specific information e.g. vehicle repair information, wiring diagrams, maintenance tables, technical production information and apply appropriately.
• Use diagnostic, mechanical and electrical measuring equipment.
• Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer e.g. following a service, complex repair, pre-delivery inspection etc.
• Service and maintain a vehicle without supervision.
• Remove repair/replace components in line with manufacturer’s standards.
• Investigate symptoms of vehicle fault(s) and identify the likely underlying causes.
• Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical problem-solving techniques, supported by diagnostic tools and testing regimes, to establish electrical, mechanical and electronic faults.
• Use current flow diagrams and electrical test equipment to carry out standard diagnostic and repair procedures.
The initial focus will be on the development of the underpinning knowledge, the competence to complete foundation tasks effectively and the behaviours required, enabling the individual to operate effectively under supervision. With the
foundations in place, the next step will be to develop the competence to carry out servicing, repair and diagnostic procedures.
The knowledge, skills and behaviours for this role will be developed over the duration of the apprenticeship.
Maths and English will be embedded within the apprenticeship.
- Duration
This apprenticeship has a typical duration of 36 months training period plus additional time to complete the end point assessment.
Learners will attend either Doncaster or North Lindsey college on a day release basis. A minimum of 6 hours per week will be spent on working towards the apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will be supported by 1:1 meetings in the workplace by their dedicated Programme Tutor. Additional learning resources and information will be made available online to ensure a fully blended learning experience.
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for the applicant. It is recommended during the selection process that candidates demonstrate the following qualities: Interested in the way vehicles operate and the potential to research, analyse and solve problems; organised, methodical and pays attention to detail; able to work in a team and to communicate well both orally and in writing; cares about delivering excellent service – both internally and externally to colleagues and customers; able to demonstrate general analytical and mechanical skills. Candidates without English and Maths at GCSE Grade C (or Functional Skills Level 2) or above must ensure that the candidate achieves this level before the Apprenticeship Standard can be awarded to the individual.
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