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A motor vehicle service and maintenance technician service and repairs light vehicles such as cars and vans and works either in dealerships which focus on a particular manufacturer, or in an independent garage which deals with many different makes of vehicles. Technicians working in large dealerships work with other departments, for example carrying out work for the sales department and ordering parts from the parts department, whereas apprentices in smaller independent garages may be called upon to carry out some of the function of the other departments themselves, for example managing their own delivery of parts. The technician will work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The day-to-day work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. When carrying out these functions technicians must ensure that waste is disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner.

  • What will I study?

    Knowledge: ? Routine servicing and inspection procedures. ? Steering and suspension geometries; electrical circuit requirements and calculations. ? Construction and operation of vehicle components and systems. ? The implications and legal requirements of fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle modifications. ? How to diagnose faults using suitable fault-finding strategies. ? Construction and operation of advanced electrical, braking and suspension systems, engine and transmission systems and engine and gear calculations. ? Vehicle emissions and legal requirements. Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate 2035. ? Alternative fuels and hybrid and electric systems.

    Skills: ? Interpret diagnostic information and use electrical wiring diagrams to determine system serviceability. ? Follow recognised diagnostic procedures, logical diagnostic sequence and apply advanced diagnostic principles and problem-solving techniques to establish faults. ? Report faults using company procedures and recommend suitable further actions. ? Follow recognised repair procedures to complete a wide range of repairs including those which involve complex procedures, or in-depth knowledge. ? Test the function of repaired and fitted components. ? Adhere to business processes and complete documentation following workplace procedures. ? Use ICT to create emails, word-process documents and carry out web-based searches. ? Complete a range of services and inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer.

    Behaviours: ? Take responsibility when required and be honest and accountable when things don?t go as planned. ? Operate as an effective team member. ? Behave in accordance with the values of the company and treat colleagues and customers with respect and courtesy. ? Build effective relationships with colleagues and customers. ? Gain trust and pay attention to colleagues and customers concerns and needs. ? Communicate effectively on a range of topics and with all sorts of different people. ? Deliver excellent results and achieve challenging goals. ? Contribute to problem solving discussions and enjoy finding solutions to own and other people?s problems.

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal if you have an interest in light vehicle maintenance and repair and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in motor vehicle service and maintenance technician - light vehicle.

  • How is the course assessed?

    ? Attending college one day a week. All theory exams will be carried out. ? Targets will be set in line with the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Required for the Apprenticeship. ? Regular monthly visits to your workplace, to check on skills learnt.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    Routine servicing and inspection procedures. Steering and suspension geometries; electrical circuit requirements and calculations. Construction and operation of vehicle components and systems. The implications and legal requirements of fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle modifications. How to diagnose faults using suitable fault-finding strategies. Construction and operation of advanced electrical, braking and suspension systems, engine and transmission systems and engine and gear calculations. Vehicle emissions and legal requirements. Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate 2035. Alternative fuels and hybrid and electric systems.

  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    Interpret diagnostic information and use electrical wiring diagrams to determine system serviceability. Follow recognised diagnostic procedures, logical diagnostic sequence and apply advanced diagnostic principles and problem-solving techniques to establish faults. Report faults using company procedures and recommend suitable further actions. Follow recognised repair procedures to complete a wide range of repairs including those which involve complex procedures, or in-depth knowledge. Test the function of repaired and fitted components. Adhere to business processes and complete documentation following workplace procedures. Use ICT to create emails, word-process documents and carry out web-based searches. Complete a range of services and inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer.

  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    Take responsibility when required and be honest and accountable when things dont go as planned. Operate as an effective team member. Behave in accordance with the values of the company and treat colleagues and customers with respect and courtesy. Build effective relationships with colleagues and customers. Gain trust and pay attention to colleagues and customers concerns and needs. Communicate effectively on a range of topics and with all sorts of different people. Deliver excellent results and achieve challenging goals. Contribute to problem solving discussions and enjoy finding solutions to own and other peoples problems.

  • General info

    All materials needed for the course are fully provided by Northampton College.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    Career progression from completing this apprenticeship can lead you into the follow jobs. Automotive Engineer, Automotive Technician, Car Maintenance Technician, Car Mechanic, EV Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician, Hybrid Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician, Motor Vehicle Maintenance Technician, Motor Vehicle Service Technician.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    Level 3 apprenticeship - Math's and English GCSE grade 4-9 (or equivalent) required

  • Admissions Process

    There is no set start date for this apprenticeship. However, there are two ways become an apprentice at Northampton College:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.