L3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Standard

Apprenticeships are work-based courses which involve learning and gaining qualifications while working for an employer. An apprentice works at the employer’s premises, gaining practical experience and skills while working towards a qualification which is relevant to their job.

A motor vehicle technician services and repairs light vehicles such as cars and vans and works either in dealerships that focus on a particular manufacturer, or for an independent garage 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 apprentice has to 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 a vehicle’s systems. They must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member, understand how their work shop and the dealership/garage 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 calibre individuals and this is reflected in the elements of the Standard described below.

On successful completion of the programme, the apprentice will have the competency to achieve the following in the workplace:

• Carry out the foundation tasks common to all procedures e.g. removing and replacing bolts, screws and clips, replacing seals, extracting damaged fasteners, cutting, drilling, filing, using fabrication skills etc.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the dealership/ garage’s business processes (e.g. environmental awareness, servicing a vehicle, record keeping, customer contact) and standard workshop operations.
• Access specific information e.g. vehicle repair information, wiring diagrams, maintenance tables, technical production information and apply appropriately.
• Use diagnostic, mechanical and electrical measuring equipment.
• Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer e.g. following a service, complex repair, pre-delivery inspection etc.
• Service and maintain a vehicle without supervision.
• Remove repair/replace components in line with manufacturer’s standards.
• Investigate symptoms of vehicle fault(s) and identify the likely underlying causes.
• Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical problem-solving techniques, supported by diagnostic tools and testing regimes, to establish electrical, mechanical and electronic faults.
• Use current flow diagrams and electrical test equipment to carry out standard diagnostic and repair procedures.

The initial focus will be on the development of the underpinning knowledge, the competence to complete foundation tasks effectively and the behaviours required, enabling the individual to operate effectively under supervision. With the
foundations in place, the next step will be to develop the competence to carry out servicing, repair and diagnostic procedures.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours for this role will be developed over the duration of the apprenticeship.
Maths and English will be embedded within the apprenticeship.