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.
The short answer
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
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.
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.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Talk to us about where you could study after this course.
Careers it can lead to
- Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians £33,800 a year
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
- Electrical Service and Maintenance Mechanics and Repairers £38,400 a year
See all 10 careers
- Vehicle and Parts Salespersons and Advisers £29,100 a year
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
- Tyre, Exhaust and Windscreen Fitters £26,100 a year
- Rail and Rolling Stock Builders and Repairers £60,500 a year
With further study or experience
- Garage Managers and Proprietors £41,900 a year
- Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors £43,900 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
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.
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.