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Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) - Advanced Apprenticeship

Summary

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. The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment.

Today’s apprentice has to demonstrate expertise in the technical side of their role. They must have strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of a vehicle’s systems.  They 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.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Aug 2024
Employer's Premises

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

On successful completion of the programme, the apprentice will have a knowledge and understanding of the following:

  • 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, etc.
  • 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

Key information

Entry Requirements

We will undertake an assessment and skills scan to make sure that this qualification is suitable for you. It is preferable to have English and Maths GCSE Grade 4/C or above.

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

No additional costs will be incurred by apprentices or employers, unless specified within the commitment statement.

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

This Apprenticeship has been designed to give you all the technical skills and knowledge you need to work on all the systems found within a huge range of cars and vans, ranging from replacing simple parts to complex fault diagnostics.

You will learn how to undertake the following:

  • 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.

Learning and Teaching Methods

This Apprenticeship has been designed to give you all the technical skills and knowledge you need to work on all the systems found within a huge range of cars and vans, ranging from replacing simple parts to complex fault diagnostics.

Modules, competencies include

  • 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.

The programme is structured on a modular basis and each module is delivered using a range of techniques including: lectures, case studies and discussions. 

1-2-1 assessment and support to evidence the behaviours, skill and knowledge elements will take place in your workplace, at mutually convenient times and dates with your assessor. 

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I learn?

The programme is structured on a modular basis and each module is delivered using a range of techniques including: lectures, case studies and discussions. 

1-2-1 assessment and support to evidence the behaviours, skill and knowledge elements will take place in your workplace, at mutually convenient times and dates with your assessor. 

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Entry Requirements

We will undertake an assessment and skills scan to make sure that this qualification is suitable for you. It is preferable to have English and Maths GCSE Grade 4/C or above. 


Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements.