Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you, if you wish to become a Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET) Technician and are new to the sector or have previous qualifications and/or experience and are working in an associated role, which provides support for qualified professionals.

A Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET) Technician works in the vehicle body repair sector of the motor industry. The role is to identify damaged mechanical and electrical components on a damaged car/light commercial vehicle and remove and refit these components before and after body repair work has been carried out. They typically work on repairing vehicles that have been involved in accidents or similar incidents. This is usually within a collision repair workshop.

They are experts in identifying damaged mechanical and electrical components on vehicles. They may work as part of a team or more autonomously and they are usually under the supervision of a more senior technician.

They are able to demonstrate expert working knowledge in relation to the removal, repair and replacement of engine, gearbox, suspension, mechanical and electrical systems. This includes:

· Assessing faults

· Preparing job cards and assessment reports

· Accessing and removing mechanical and electrical components

· Removing and fitting non-structural body panels

· Removing and re-installing mechanical and electrical systems

· Vehicle valeting.

They are able to remove and refit any part relating to the vehicle, to the correct alignment.

The technician will be able to carry out vehicle diagnostics utilising diagnostic hardware/software to interrogate any faults found within the vehicle management system (on board computer), to interpret technical information to ensure integrity of repair. A competent Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET) Technician is accountable for ensuring that the vehicle components and trim of a repaired, collision-damaged vehicle, meets at minimum the manufacturer safety and performance standard, prior to the damage sustained.

This apprenticeship is suitable for the following job roles:

· Bodyshop Mechanic

· MET Technician

· Body Fitter/Stripper

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Engine, gearbox, suspension, mechanical and electrical systems, including safety related autonomous items

· Body mechanical repair tools, equipment and devices used in the process e.g., vehicle diagnostics, wheel alignment, advanced driver assistance calibration tooling etc

· Interpretation of technical data

· Safe handling and management of safety restraint systems pyrotechnics, high voltage components and other areas of significant risk

· Repair and safe handling of all vehicle fuel types, including combustion, hybrid and other high voltage and compressed natural gas

· Vehicle hardware and software and digital communication e.g., telematics capability and recall legislation compliance etc

· The principles of customer service within the motor and body shop industry

· Quality control process and the implications of poor-quality repairs

· Commercial productivity and efficiency impact of their role within the whole repair process e.g., cost of mistakes and the need for accuracy

· Impact of rework on resources and reputation

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET) Technician Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 3 distinct components:

· Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

· Practical skills test

· Knowledge assessment by multiple-choice questionnaire

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e., pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Vehicle Damage, Mechanical, Electrical & Trim (MET) Technician's programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for the motor and body shop industry

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme, and you will be expected to attend day-release; 1 day a week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Is there anything else I will have to pay for in order to do this course?

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some textbooks for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto higher level qualifications and apprenticeships via the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to become a Team Leader or Operations Manager.