Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

This Apprenticeship is aimed at persons wanting to become a Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Technician/Engineer. A Heavy Vehicle (HV) technician services, inspects and repairs HVs, categorised by the Department of Transport as category N2 or N3, and associated trailers, with the associated ancillaries. They work in either a dealership that focusses on a particular manufacturer, or for an independent garage, franchise or large fleet operator that deals with many different makes of vehicles.

The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. On completion of this Apprenticeship you will have developed the skills needed to become a lead heavy vehicle and maintenance repair technician. 

Choose this Apprenticeship if you have an interest in diesel systems and a desire to develop a career in the heavy vehicle automotive industry, working on trucks and lorries. You should have strong problem solving and good customer handling skills.

Topics include:

• Servicing and maintaining large commercial vehicles
• Diagnosing and problem solving techniques for all vehicle systems
• Fundamentals of HV technologies, HV chassis design, engine, fuels and transmissions
• Requirements of providing roadside assistance
• Preparing vehicles for DVSA MOT Inspections
• Carrying out vehicle safety inspections
• Carrying out quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision
• Emerging new technologies within the HV industry

As part of the Apprenticeship you will achieve:

• IFA Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship
• If required: Functional Skills (English, Maths)

Apprentices will need to be working towards and achieve the following job role requirements before their End Point Assessment (EPA):

• The ability to keep updated with emerging new technologies within the HV industry
• The ability to service, inspect and maintain HVs and trailers to meet company, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and manufacturers’ standards
• Use a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HVs
• Successfully inspect and prepare vehicles and trailers to meet DVSA standards prescribed in the tester’s manual

Next steps: On completion and achievement of the standard, candidates will have the opportunity to progress to Master Technician, management, IRTEC or to develop in their current role. Example job roles include: Lead Heavy Vehicle Technician/Heavy Goods Vehicle Technician/Fleet Technician

Every employer is different and therefore the entry requirements can vary. As a guide, you ideally need GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths and in some cases ICT.

If you are 19 or over, functional skills are not required unless requested by the apprentice’s employer.

However, we will work with you and provide additional support to help you achieve their requirements, either prior to your Apprenticeship or during the delivery of your programme.

This Apprenticeship is a progression from the Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprenticeship.

You will study at our Technology Centre, with access to:

• A large modern fully equipped workshop
• A state of the art automotive diagnostic laboratory with test simulators and rigs
• A dedicated IT laboratory with internet access
• Four specific automotive training classrooms
• Meeting and function rooms
• Cafe and restaurant

You will need safety boots, overalls and recommended text books.