What modules are covered?

The apprenticeship program consists of the following 4 components, leading to a Level 2 Standard in Autocare Technician:

1. Knowledge and understanding of:-

• Tyre legislation and technical information including EU Tyre labelling, Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems, sidewall markings, homologated fitments relating to cars, car derived vans and light goods vehicles.
• Fundamentals of specific vehicle systems including steering & suspension, braking systems, bateery & charging systems, exhaust systems and Air-Conditioning systems.
• Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles
• Basic consumer legislation relevant to the occupation
• Appropriate Health & Safety legislation and requirements for the workplace
• Hybrid/Electric Vehicle system and safe working procedures
• Data protection requirements to protect customer and payment information
• General sales principles including, identifying customer & vehicle needs, presenting solutions, closing the sale and dealing with buying resistance
• How the business works and how you contribute to the overall results, demonstrating commercial awareness
• How to carry out vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance using manufacturers specifications or approved schedules, using vehicle specifc data and meeting legal requirements
• The importance of following work place procedures and the consequences of not doing so.

2. The competency to achieve the following in the workplace:-

• Contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace, including the maintenance of key equipment and carryigng out general housekeeping
• Carry out stock procedures including dealing with routine stock deliveries, placing stock into storage, carrying out stock rotation duties and ordering parts for customers following company procedures
• Carry out vehicle inpsections and routine maintenance in line with manufactures specifications or approved schedules, company procedures and complete approved documentation.
• Make recommendations to customers based on the results of inpections, ensuring that sales recommendations are accurate and fully costed, are ethical and in the best interests of the customer at all times, usig language that is transparent and avoids jargon.
• Carry out replacement/repair and balancing of a range of light vehicle tyres, including ultra-low profile, directional, asymmetric and run-flat tyres fitted to a range of wheel sizes and types
• Carry out the replacement of components on a specific range of vehicle systems including Steering & Suspension, Braking systems, Battery & Charging systems, exhaust systems and Air-Conditioning systems
• Carry out 4-wheel Geometry operations including adjustements on  a range of vehicles with different suspension and steering systems
• Use a range of specialist tools and equipment, mechanical & electrical measuring tools and diagnostic equipment to support fault identification and repair.
• Identify & procure correct parts to meet specific customer requirements
• Access vehicle technical data to inform inspections and make judgements on wear and serviceability.
• Deal with and resolve low-level customer complaints
• Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues
• Use specific company IT systems within the workplace, including Point-of-sale systems and hand-held devices.

3. The soft skills and behaviours to achieve the following in the workplace:-

• Act in a manner that promotes the professional image of the automotive sector
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers on a range of topics including drawing out information to support identification of customer and vehicle needs, making clear recommendations to customers and overcoming objections/concerns.
• Behave in accordance with company values, industry codes of conduct and demonstrate respect for customers and colleagues. Be courteous at all times and respond quickly to requests/requirements usin effective communication skills to win trust and ensure an excellent expereince
• Work as an effective team member taking responsibility for their own actions, being honest and accountable when issues arise and things don't go as planned
• Commit to learning to imporve your own performance and that of the business. Work in an organised way to ensure work is carried out in an effective and efficient manner.

4. Functional Skills: English & Maths ( Level 2)

5. End Point Assessment

End point assessment is the final stage of your apprenticeship and you must pass this to achieve your apprenticeship. It is the chance to show the skills, knowledge and behaviours you have gained throughout your apprenticeship.

Find out about the new standard, click on the link:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/autocare-technician-v1-0

What training will be provided?

The training is delivered and assessed whilst attending Farnborough College once a week to learn the underpinning knowledge and develop skills in practical workshops. Apprentices are also supported in the workplace with regular progress and reviews.

What Next?

Apprenticeships are a proven way of increasing staff retention and productivity. 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that Apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.  Apprenticeships enable employers to recruit and train the employees to meet the specific needs of their business.

On completion of this Standard the Auto-care Technician will be eligible to apply for IMI membership as a Registered Young Professional or if they wish as an Associate Member. They would also gain entry onto the IMI Professional Register.

Apprentices who complete this apprenticeship can also progress onto the Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician [light vehicle]
Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard: https://www.farn-ct.ac.uk/course/advanced-apprenticeship-in-motor-vehicle-repair/APL3MV/

For more information or to recruit an Apprentice,
please contact our Employer Hotline on 01252 407299
or visit www.farn-ct.ac.uk/apprentice

What previous qualifications and experience will I need?

The training programme is intended for new or existing staff working in a garage providing motor vehicle repair services.

The entry criteria are staff aged 16 and over with a minimum of 5 GCSEs A*- D or 9 - 3 to include Maths and English. GCSE’s will be considered along with the results of an initial assessment.

Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths (Grade D / Grade 3) will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their apprenticeship end-point assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or legacy statement, the English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.