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Apprenticeship

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

From replacing a part to diagnosing what nobody else can find

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: Additional time after the training period
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 the selection criteria for the applicant. It is recommended during the selection process that candidates demonstrate the following qualities: Interested in the way vehicles operate and the potential to research, analyse and solve problems; organised, methodical and pays attention to detail; able to work in a team and to communicate well both orally and in writing; cares about delivering excellent service – both internally and externally to colleagues and customers; able to demonstrate general analytical and mechanical skills. Candidates without English and Maths at GCSE Grade C (or Functional Skills Level 2) or above must ensure that the candidate achieves this level before the Apprenticeship Standard can be awarded to the individual.

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

Light vehicles, in a manufacturer dealership or an independent garage. Delivered at the North Lindsey College campus.

  1. They will work on every system in the vehicle

    Servicing and repairing light vehicles such as cars and vans, across all the systems found within them.

    Covers light vehicle service and repair, all vehicle systems

  2. They will diagnose, not just replace

    The work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults using diagnostic methods and equipment. The second is what the qualification is for.

    Covers diagnostic methods and equipment, complex fault finding

  3. They will keep up with technology that keeps changing

    Day-to-day tasks change constantly, driven by ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques, so a technician has to keep learning after qualifying.

    Covers emerging vehicle technologies, evolving diagnostic techniques

  4. They will understand the business as well as the vehicle

    Strong problem solving, a grasp of both theory and practice, working independently and as a team member, and understanding how the workshop and dealership function commercially.

    Covers problem solving, theory and practice, teamwork, commercial awareness of the workshop

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

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.