Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship
Occupational Profile
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.
Entry Requirements
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. It is also recommended that the candidate can demonstrate a capacity for mechanical reasoning and good spatial awareness
Employers who recruit 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.
Standards
Apprentices must meet all of the core requirements of the standards, examples of which are shown below. The full standards can be downloaded from the government's website at:-
Knowledge
You will gain understanding of:-
- The fundamentals of vehicle technologies e.g. vehicle systems such as chassis, engine, transmission,
- electrical, air conditioning, high voltage vehicles, etc.
- The types, and associated characteristics, of light vehicles e.g. front- or rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive,
- Diagnostic principles and logical problem-solving techniques.
- Emerging automotive technologies and the impact they will have on the knowledge and skills technicians will require in the future
Skills
You 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.
Behaviours
You will have the soft skills and behaviours to achieve the following in the workplace:-
- Communicate effectively with customers on a range of topics e.g. draw from a customer the description of symptoms in a way that will support the process of diagnosing faults.
- Behave in accordance with the values of the company they work for; treat customers with respect and courtesy, quickly respond to their requirements and win their trust using effective communication skills to ensure they receive an excellent experience.
- Operate as an effective team member taking responsibility when required and be honest and accountable when things don't go as planned.
- Constantly learn in order to improve their own performance and that of the business; plan effectively and be highly organised when carrying out service and repairs.
- Understand how the business works from an operational perspective and demonstrate commercial awareness.
Downloads (full details from government website)
Apprenticeship Standard for a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician
Assessment plan for a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician
Key Facts:
Campus: Hereford
Minimum Age: 16
Level: 3
Duration: Typically up to 3 years but this will depend on previous experience
Typical Employment:
Many independent garages offer training in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles.
Contact: 0800 032 1986