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Apprenticeship

Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Standard

Category N2 and N3, and everything they tow

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

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The short answer

36 monthsPlus assessment
Fully funded for most employersSmaller employers pay nothing towards the training.
Level 3Nationally recognised
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for the applicants. It is however recommended that to optimise the chance of selection, candidates can demonstrate an interest in how the HV industry operates as well as ability to work in an organised and methodical way to analyse and solve problems; be able to demonstrate mechanical skills; also demonstrate an ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship.

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

Dealerships, independent garages, franchises and large fleet operators.

  1. They will service, inspect and repair heavy vehicles

    Category N2 and N3 vehicles as defined by the Department for Transport, plus associated trailers and ancillaries, across all the systems in them.

    Covers N2 and N3 vehicles, trailers, ancillaries, all vehicle systems

  2. They will diagnose as well as replace

    From replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with diagnostic methods and equipment.

    Covers diagnostic methods and equipment, complex fault finding

  3. They will keep pace with the technology

    The day-to-day tasks change constantly as vehicle technologies and diagnostic techniques get more complex, so the learning does not stop at qualification.

    Covers emerging vehicle technology, evolving diagnostic techniques

  4. They will understand the commercial side

    Working independently and as an effective team member, and understanding how the workshop, dealership, garage or branch functions commercially.

    Covers independent and team working, commercial awareness of the workshop

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

Assessment Method All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.

1
Throughout

Coursework and portfolio

Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.

2
Every 8 to 10 weeks

A review with you

The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.

3
Before the end

A full mock

Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.

Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 01724 281111

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.