Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

An auto-care technician carries out a range of services and repairs to cars, car derived vans, and light goods vehicles. They work in an auto-care or “fast-fit” centre, which may be part of a national chain or operated by a regional/local independent group/owner. To become a competent auto-care technician, you will need to develop a unique combination of technical, retail, and customer service skills. As an auto-care technician, you will use a range of tools and measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair simple system faults.

As an apprentice auto-care technician, you will need to be able to demonstrate expertise in the technical elements of your role and have a good grasp of the practical and theoretical aspects of the vehicle systems you service. Additionally, you will need to have excellent telephone, customer service, and sales skills, as well strong problem solving and self-organisation skills. You will also need to learn how to handle difficult customers and deal with customer disappointment. You must be able to work as part of a team but also operate independently, whilst maintaining a high standard of workmanship. You will also need to understand how your centre operates from a commercial perspective and how your actions contribute to business results. Completing this apprenticeship will help you to develop all these vital skills and prepare you for a successful career in auto-care.

An auto-care technician will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Tyre legislation and technical information, including EU tyre labelling, tyre pressure monitoring systems, sidewall markings, homologated fitments relating to cars, car derived vans, and light goods vehicles
• Fundamentals of specific vehicle systems including steering & suspension, braking systems, battery & charging systems, exhaust systems, and air-conditioning systems
• Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles
• Basic consumer legislation relevant to the occupation
• Appropriate health and safety legislation and requirements for the workplace
• Hybrid/electric vehicle systems and safe working procedures
• Data protection requirements to protect customer and payment information
• General sales principles including identifying customer and vehicle needs, presenting solutions, closing the sale, and dealing with buying resistance
• How the business works and how to contribute to the overall results, demonstrating commercial awareness
• How to carry out vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance using vehicle specific data and manufacturers specifications or approved schedules, whilst meeting legal requirements

The importance of following workplace procedures and the consequences of not doing so.

Practical units of the apprenticeship are assessed by compiling a portfolio of set tasks, which are checked by the college’s qualified assessors and tutors. Knowledge units are assessed by online examinations and practical assessments. Work based units are assessed onsite by assessor coaches.

Upon completion you could complete a qualification in MOT testing or progress on to the Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle).

You will be allocated a designated apprenticeship coach to guide you through your apprenticeship. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

We are one of the top-performing further education colleges for apprenticeships. Over nine in ten of our apprentices continue in employment or receive a promotion once they have completed their apprenticeship. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer. The college is dedicated to supporting you on-programme and helping you progress on to the next step.

Entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme are GCSE grades 9-4, or level 2 functional skills qualifications in English and maths. We will consider those who need to resit either their English or maths qualification, however those that need to resit both will not meet the entry requirements for this apprenticeship programme.

If you are required to resit either English or maths, you will be invited to undertake an initial assessment. If deemed suitable, you must be willing to achieve your level 2 English/maths qualification before the end of the apprenticeship programme as part of your study.