Level 3 Motor Vehicle and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship

A motor vehicle service and maintenance technician services and repairs light vehicles such as cars and vans and works either in dealerships which focus on a particular manufacturer, or in an independent garage which deals with many different makes of vehicles.

The Automotive Retail Industry provides employment for over half a million employees who work for approximately 70,000 employers. It is a major contributor to the UK economy. In a large dealership the Technician will typically report to the Workshop Controller, who in turn reports to the Aftersales Manager and liaises with the Service Reception. In smaller garages the Technician will report directly to the owner or Garage Manager.

The technician must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member and have good customer handling skills. They will understand how their workshop and the dealership/garage functions from a commercial perspective and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently. Technicians working in large dealerships work with other departments, for example carrying out work for the Sales Department and ordering parts from the Parts Department, whereas apprentices in smaller independent garages may be called upon to carry out some of the function of the other departments themselves, for example managing their own delivery of parts.

This standard has been designed to be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions and successful apprentices can apply for the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech).

The technician will work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The day-to-day work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The tasks faced are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques.

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 the programme you will learn;

• How vehicle service and repair is impacted by legislative, regulatory and ethical requirements, including health and safety law and environmental procedures;
• The structure of the industry and how the business works from an operational perspective, business targets, the systems and processes that make up the efficient running of a business;
• How to develop positive working relationships and communicate effectively and how to carry out self-evaluation and improve own performance;
• The procedures for the maintenance of tools and the workshop;
• Routine servicing and inspection procedures;
• Steering and suspension geometries; electrical circuit requirements and calculations;
• Construction and operation of vehicle components and systems;
• Common fault types, causes and effects of different types of faults;
• The implications and legal requirements of fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle modifications;
• How to diagnose faults using suitable fault finding strategies;
• Construction and operation of advanced electrical, braking and suspension systems, engine and transmission systems and engine and gear calculations;
• Vehicle emissions and legal requirements;
• Alternative fuels and hybrid and electric systems.

The apprenticeship is delivered over 48 months, and you will be fully supported by the college every step of the way. During your apprenticeship you will attend college one day per week, with the other four days spent with your employer. As an apprentice you will be allocated a tutor and an assessor, who will come out to visit you onsite.

Following this Standard you can train to complete MOT’s and be a fully qualified mechanic.

This standard has been designed to be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions and successful apprentices can apply for the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech).

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

Warrington & Vale Royal College has a long history of delivering bespoke, high-quality apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors. We take pride in our apprentices and ensure they leave us with the skills they need to forge a career in their chosen industry. We work with all manner of employers to ensure all parties’ interests are met throughout the apprenticeship journey. We also have a dedicated apprenticeship matching service which matches your skills to a suitable apprenticeship employer.

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.