Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship

Combine technical, retail and customer service skills, in a unique, skill-packed Apprenticeship. This Apprenticeship has been designed to provide all the technical skills and knowledge needed to work on all systems found within a huge range of cars and vans; from replacing simple parts to complex fault diagnostics. You will work either in dealerships, which focus on a particular manufacturer, or in an independent garage, which deals with many different makes of vehicles.

Topics include:

• Fundamentals of specific vehicle systems, including steering and suspension, braking systems, battery and charging systems, exhaust systems and air-conditioning systems
• Routine servicing and inspection procedures for a range of cars, car-derived vans and other light vehicles
• How to diagnose faults using logical diagnostic sequence and suitable fault finding strategies
• Advanced learning such as four wheel geometry principles and general sales principles
• How vehicle service and repair is impacted by legislation and ethical requirements
• How to contribute to the maintenance of a safe and a efficient workshop
• Customer service skills
• Use of ICT to create emails, word-process documents and carry out web-based searches

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

• Routine servicing and inspection procedures
• Steering and suspension geometries; electrical circuit requirements and calculations
• Report faults using company procedures and recommend suitable future actions

As part of this Apprenticeship you will achieve:

• IFA Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
• Level 3 Refrigerant handling qualification (if not previously completed)
• If required: Functional Skills (English, Maths)

Next steps: On completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship, you could move into industry to become a become an MOT tester, electric vehicle technician, service manager or master technician. The course is also recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions and successful Apprentices can apply for the appropriate level of professional registration with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Example job roles include: Service and Maintenance Technician/Lead Mechanic/Lead Automotive Technician/LCV Vehicle Mechanic.

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 modern vehicle workshops with ramps and industry specification resources such as a live MOT bay, Snap-on diagnostics, Pico scope, Texa diagnostics, Air Conditioning charge station and a range of modern vehicles. Experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge from franchise to non-franchise dealerships.