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.
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.
Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship's English and maths minimum requirement is Level 1. British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications where this is the apprentice's primary language.
Motor vehicle service and maintenance technicians have the following knowledge and understanding:
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technicians require the following skills so they are able to:
Prior to taking their end-point assessment (EPA), full-time apprentices will typically:
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass or distinction.
Apprentices will be expected to comply with their company's standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) dress code. Any shortfalls in safety equipment will be addressed during the first week of the course.
Completion of this apprenticeship standard will be recognised by the relevant professional institutions as the evidence required for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration through a professional review.
For those deemed capable and ready, there is the chance to progress to higher levels of education and training.
Banger racing enthusiast Jamie Rushton has enjoyed tinkering with cars for as long as he can remember.
So, when a Derby College motor vehicle apprenticeship came up at A&M Motors in Church Gresley, he seized the opportunity. As the firm’s first apprentice, his progress has been so impressive that he is set to be taken on permanently when his training programme finishes in 2015.
Jamie appreciates the support he receives from his College tutors and assessors. He also enjoys his day release experience at The Garage, our commercial facility. The apprenticeship links in perfectly with Jamie’s favourite past time of banger racing. He takes part in racing events all over the country.
I’m in the right job: I’ve always wanted to be around cars and I know I always will. I’ve carried out some quite demanding jobs since I started my apprenticeship. We also get the chance to learn different things at College and to talk to each other about what we’ve been doing at work.