Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become a Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician and are new to the industry, or if you are currently working in an associated role (e.g. Autocare Technician), that provides assistance to Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technicians.

A Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance 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 and the nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts, through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment.

What will I study?

This apprenticeship will enable you to…

· Develop a deep technical and diagnostic competence in response to the increasing complexity of vehicle technologies

· Establish sophisticated customer service behaviours

· Maintain the motivation and ability to contribute to the commercial success of their company.

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

· Health and Safety

· Vehicle Inspection

· Routine Vehicle Maintenance

· Engine Components, Lubrication and Cooling Systems (Engine Timing)

· Fuel, Air, Ignition and Exhaust

· Vehicle Chassis Systems inc Brakes, Suspension, Steering (4 Wheel Geometry/Alignment)

· Wheels and Tyres

· Intermediate Diagnostics

· Advanced Diagnostics

· Customer Service

How will this course be delivered?

The Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician programme will be delivered over a 36 month period and will consist of a combination of theory classes and skills workshops.

Within the theory classes you will benefit from online e-learning software, alongside group and 1:1 tutor delivery. Skills workshops are typically held within the workshop facilities, where you will receive practical skills training and guidance towards your apprenticeship, and be given the opportunity to apply your knowledge to the vehicles within the workshop environment. 

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship Standard

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

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice, employer and provider are required to jointly maintain a logbook that captures progress over the duration of the programme and will include:

· An on-going assessment of soft skills and behaviours

· Knowledge and understanding tests at milestones 1 and 2, known as 'Gateways'

· Comprehensive skills tests at Gateways 1 and 2

There will be a third check at Gateway 3, where the employer and training provider are required to confirm whether the apprentice is fully competent and ready to sit the End Point Assessment (EPA) and complete their programme.

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 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician 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 motor vehicle 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?

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 motor vehicle 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 note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments.

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

What can I do after this course?

Apprentices can progress onto further learning by taking up in-house CPD training, or a Level 4 qualification in Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics, to then become a master technician. They could also take up higher level qualifications through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to become a workshop controller/manager.