A Heavy Vehicle (HV) technician services, inspects and repairs HVs, categorised by the Department of Transport as category N2 or N3, and associated trailers, with the associated ancillaries. They work in either a dealership that focusses on a particular manufacturer, or for an independent garage, franchise or large fleet operator that deals with many different makes of vehicles. They work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The day-to-day tasks faced by the technician are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques. Today?s technician must demonstrate expertise in the technical side of their role. They must have strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of vehicles systems and associated ancillaries. They must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member, understanding how their workshop and the dealership/garage/branch functions from a commercial perspective, have good customer handling skills and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently. The growing complexity of today?s vehicles and the pressure to deliver a high-quality customer experience requires the retail automotive sector to attract and train high caliber individuals and this is reflected in the elements of the Standard
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What will I study?
Knowledge: ? The fundamentals of HV technologies e.g. HV chassis design, engine, fuels, transmissions, electrical (12/24v), air-conditioning, hydraulic and air braking, air suspension systems etc. ? Diagnosing principles and logical problem-solving techniques related to HV. ? Sufficient health and safety knowledge and environmental awareness to carry out the work safely. ? Operators? ?O? Licence requirements relating to HVs. ? How to service, inspect and maintain vehicles and trailers to the expected standards and the importance of safety inspection and maintenance schedules to meet Operator?s (O) licence and legal obligations. ? Customer expectations and implications of work carried out. ? How the business works from an operational perspective and demonstrate commercial and financial awareness in the HV industry. ? Complex problem-solving techniques.
Skills: ? Carry out the basic tasks with tools and equipment common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical procedures related to HV ? The ability to keep updated with emerging new technologies within the HV industry ? Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the company and legislative processes ? The ability to service, inspect and maintain HVs and trailers to meet company, Driver and vehicle standards agency (DVSA) and manufacturers? standards ? Use a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HV?s ? Carry out final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision. ? Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical/problem solving techniques and regimes ? Maintain records to company and operators? licence obligations and regulation. ? To be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written mediums both internally and with customers on a range of topics that will support, HV inspection and diagnosing techniques.
Behaviours: ? Behave in accordance with the values of the company they work for whether manufacturer or independent to treat customers and stakeholders with courtesy and respond quickly to their requirements to ensure an excellent experience ? Operate effectively as a team member taking ownership and responsibility when required and be honest and accountable in all activities when things do not go as planned ? To work at continuous development of both self, team and processes.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in heavy vehicle maintenance and repair and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in motor vehicle service and maintenance technician ? Heavy Vehicle.
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How is the course assessed?
? Attending college one day a week. All theory exams will be carried out. ? Regular monthly visits to your workplace, to check on skills learnt.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The structure of the industry and how the business works from an operational perspective
- The procedures for the maintenance of tools and the workshop
- The implications and legal requirements of fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle modifications.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- interpret diagnostic information and use electrical wiring diagrams to determine service serviceability
- Adhere to business processes and complete documentation following workplace procedures
- complete a range of services and inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- take responsibility when required and be accountable when things dont go as planned
- Operate as an effective team member
- Build effect relationships with colleagues and customers.
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General info
All materials needed for the course are fully provided by Northampton College.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
On completion of the apprenticeship the Heavy Vehicle Technician will be eligible to apply for registration as a Heavy Vehicle Technician with a relevant professional body. On completion and achievement of the standard, candidates will have the opportunity to progress to Master Technician, management or to develop in their current role
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Entry Requirements for new students
Level 3 apprenticeship - Math's and English GCSE grade 4-9 (or equivalent) required
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Admissions Process
There is no set start date for this apprenticeship. However, there are two ways become an apprentice at Northampton College:
- If you have secured employment with the view of becoming an apprentice, or if you are already employed and would like to join an Apprenticeship programme, please get in touch with us on 01604 734323 or email business.centre@northamptoncollege.ac.uk to register your interest.
- If you don?t have a job yet, you can view all our apprenticeship vacancies through the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Each of these job openings are with trusted employers who are looking for an apprentice to join their team. You can click the button below to look through what?s currently on offer. Once you?ve found a vacancy you?re interested in, you will be taken to the National Apprenticeship Service website to begin your application for the role. In either case, we will support both you and your employer to ensure this is the right course for you.
