Approx. duration: 30 months
Start Date: Anytime
Attendance: One day a week at the Rural Campus
Entry requirements: Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants. It is however recommended that candidates can demonstrate an interest in the occupation as well as an ability to work in an organised and methodical way to identify and solve problems; also demonstrate an ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough initial assessment to clarify course suitability. You may be required to come for an interview and assessment. Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs including Maths and English 9-3/A-E or a commitment to undertake Level 2 Maths and English. Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment.
On-programme learning:
- Autocare Technician Standard Level 2
- EU’s 2014 F-gas
- English and Maths (if required) to achieve Level 2
End-point assessment: Delivered by IMI (The Institute of the Motor Industry)
Progression: 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 into the IMI Professional Register.
Course Summary: Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the need of both the Apprentice and their employer.
An Auto-care Technician carries out a range of services and repairs to cars, car-derived vans and light goods vehicles, working in an Auto-care or “Fast-Fit” Centre, which may be part of a national chain or operated by a regional/local independent group/owner. An Auto-care Technician requires a unique combination of technical, retail and customer service skills. They will use a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify & repair simple system faults.
The Auto-care Technician has to demonstrate expertise not only in the technical elements of their role and have a good grasp of the practical and theoretical aspects of the vehicle systems they service but also needs to have excellent telephone, and customer handling (including how to handle difficult customers and deal with customer disappointment) and effective sales skills, as well as strong problem solving and self-organisation skills. They must be able to work as part of a team but also operate independently, understand how their centre operates from a commercial perspective and how their actions contribute to business results, whilst maintaining a high standard of workmanship.
Please Note: This Standard does not on its own qualify Apprentices to work on air-conditioning systems. Employers who require apprentices to work on air-conditioning systems must also provide the F-Gas qualification.