Apprenticeships in the Motor Trade
Overview
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 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. The technician will work on all the systems found within the vehicle.
Start dates and fees
This apprenticeship programme can begin at any time of the year. This might be in line with your start date of employment or perhaps a review with your employer where your development is discussed.
During your apprenticeship your employer is obliged to pay you a wage. The minimum rate for an apprentice in the year 2022 is ÂĢ4.81 an hour for the first year of learning. It is worth noting that many employers pay above this rate.
For more information about apprenticeships including our current vacancies, please visit our apprenticeship page.
What will I study?
- The basics of vehicle technologies and emerging technologies
- Types and characteristics of light vehicles
- Diagnostic principles and logical problem-solving techniques
- Basic tasks common to all procedures
- How to maintain a safe and efficient workshop
- Servicing and maintaining a vehicle without supervision
- Investigating vehicle faults and identifying causes
- Removing, repairing and replacing parts in line with manufacturerâs standards
Entry requirements
Each apprenticeship programme will have its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will always be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme.
You will need to be aged 16 years and over to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme. As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevent role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call the main college number and ask for the apprenticeship team to find out how we could help you.
As an applicant, you will undertake assessment in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels which will aid the creation of an individual learning plan towards achieving maths and English at level 2 if not already achieved.
If you have passed maths and English GCSE or equivalent you will be required to evidence this with certificates which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill qualification within the apprenticeship framework. Please note that as an apprentice you are required to demonstrate ongoing improvement in both maths and English even if you are exempt from the tested element.
Study programmes – essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isnât displayed under the entry requirements and you donât currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?36 months plus EPA
How will I be assessed?
Blended delivery method including day release at college, work based assessment and online learning including: reflective accounts, witness statements, activity based work books, presentations, professional interview/discussion and work based projects
What does the course lead to?
Following the successful completion of the intermediate apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.
