Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship Standard

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. The day-to-day tasks faced by the technician are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques. As an apprentice you must to demonstrate expertise in the technical side of your role. You must have strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of a vehicle’s systems. You must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member, understand how their work shop and the dealership/garage functions from a commercial perspective, have good customer handling skills and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently.

Technicians who service and repair light vehicles (cars, vans, pick-ups, sports utility vehicles, etc.) The technicians work in dealerships that focus on specific brand(s) or for independent garages that maintain and repair all makes of vehicles.

The topics you will cover whilst training include:

• The fundamentals of vehicle technologies e.g. vehicle systems such as chassis, engine, transmission, electrical, air conditioning, high voltage vehicles. 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.

You will 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. You will 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.

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 and access specific information e.g. vehicle repair information, wiring diagrams, maintenance tables and technical.

You will also operate as an effective team member taking responsibility when required and be honest and accountable when things don’t go as planned. 

GCSE Maths and English Grade 4 will be required.

This is a three-year programme which has a two competent assessment. A synoptic end test and a light-touch on-programme assessment process. The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. You will be continually assessed on the day-to-day tasks of a technician and will show strong problem-solving skills.

You will have your practice skills assessed at various points throughout the apprenticeship which will lead to a final two-day practical examination of the skills and understanding you have learnt. You will complete a log book which will be reviewed in the final year and complete a knowledge test to show you’re understand of the knowledge and behaviours that are required to complete your job.

If you do not hold a suitable maths or English qualifications, you will need to pass the Functional Skills exam at level 2.

This qualification also has an End Point Assessment which includes:

Log book, Behaviour Assessment, Knowledge Test and a two day skills test

Apply – Apply for this apprenticeship by completing an on-line application or by downloading the form and returning it via email to apprenticeships@nscg.ac.uk
Alternatively you can post your application via freepost.

If you successfully achieve all parts of the apprenticeship, your assessor will discuss your next steps to take. Dependent on your roles and responsibilities, this may be the next level of the subject you have been studying already or a different pathway.

While you are on an apprenticeship your employer pays you a salary and supports you whilst you undertake your training