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APPRENTICESHIPS

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Apprenticeships are an ideal way to gain nationally recognised qualifications, whilst being paid a wage.  Employers within the automotive industry have designed apprenticeship standards to meet the needs of the industry, giving you the perfect apprenticeship programmes to start your career. 

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Whether you are 16 or over 19 you may be able to undertake one of our apprenticeship programmes.  Before you start an apprenticeship you will need to have an employer that is willing to take you on.  The employer must be able to support you in the workplace to help you develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours whilst evidencing what you have learnt to cover the full apprenticeship standard. 

Employers can be small independent or large multi-site garages and we have contacts with many across the Hull and Humber area and will look to support candidates in finding a suitable employer.  We undertake a health and safety check with all employers before they take on an apprentice to ensure the place of work is fit for purpose and that the apprentice is going to be in a safe working environment. 

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In addition to this all candidates that apply to us will need to attend a selection assessment here at the GTA.  The selection assessment is a mixture of assessments including; English, maths and mechanical reasoning.  Depending on the outcome of the assessments depends if you are suitable to undertake an apprenticeship or if your scores are not quite high enough for the apprenticeship we may suggest you undertaking a level 2 full time course for a year before going on to an apprenticeship programme.

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We offer two apprenticeship standards at the GTA; the level 2 Apprenticeship in Autocare which is delivered over two years approx. and the level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (Light Vehicle) which is delivered over three years.   

Level 2 Apprenticeship in Autocare

This two year apprenticeship is perfect for those wanting to learn skills in a range of services not only on the technical aspects of motor vehicle technology but also skills in retail, parts and customer service.  You will cover the following during your apprenticeship journey:

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  • Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles

  • Demonstrate expertise, not only on the technical aspects of motor vehicle technology but also in     retail, parts and customer service 

  • Hybrid / Electric vehicle system and safe working practices 

  • Vehicle systems including battery, charging and air conditioning 

  • Tyre maintenance, legislation and technical information 

  • Fundamentals of specialist vehicle systems 

  • Use a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair similar system faults

  • Experience how the business works and how you contribute to the overall results, demonstrating   commercial awareness. 

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Progression:

Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship or professional technical training leading to Diagnostic / Master Technician.
 

The apprenticeship programme is broken into three main stages, known as gateways.  To successfully pass through the gateways, the apprentice needs to complete a combination of online and practical assessments.  Behaviours, achievements and learning experiences are also assessed at various stages of the programme which are recorded and tracked through an e-portfolio.  The e-portfolio is updated by the apprentice, workplace mentor and by a dedicated GTA tutor.

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Although it is preferred that you will already hold grades 4 - 9 in GCSE English and Maths, if you don't, you will be able to study towards the following as part of you apprenticeship:

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  • ​Functional Skill Mathematics Level 2

  • Functional Skill English Level 2

 

At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices are required to undertake and pass an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is conducted by the awarding organisation, The Institute of Motor Industry (IMI).  The EPA is made up of practical assessments within the GTA workshop, an online professional discussion and two online knowledge assessments.  Apprentices will only be entered into the EPA stage when you, your employer and your tutor are confident you are ready.

Level 3 Motor Vehicle 
Service and Maintenance 
Technician Apprenticeship 
(Light Vehicle) 

During this three year apprenticeship programme you will attend the GTA one day per week.  At the GTA you will learn the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the main aspects of the motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship.  The training is delivered in the classroom, IT suite and in our state of the art workshop.  So you are learning theory and practical skills that will compliment the work you do with you employer.  This apprenticeship standard will cover the following and much more:

  

  • Construction and operation of vehicle components and systems 

  • Work independently as an effective team member

  • Understand complex technologies and diagnostic techniques

  • Learn about alternative fuels and hybrid and electrical systems

  • Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles

  • Test the function of repaired and fitted components

  • Communicate effectively on a range of topics to colleagues and customers, delivering excellent results 

  • Help deliver a high quality customer experience 

  • Gain a Level 3 Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (F-Gas).

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Progression:

Professional technical training leading to Diagnostic / Master Technician, MOT Tester status or sector specific advanced qualifications.

What is it like to be an Apprentice?

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  • Work 4 days per week at a local garage, workshop or dealership

  • Get paid a weekly wage

  • Attend GTA for one day per week

  • Gain the new skills and knowledge to complete the Apprenticeship standard

  • Service and repair light and heavy vehicles 

  • Work alongside fully qualified motor vehicle technicians

  • Work on all the systems found within vehicles

  • Aim to become a qualified vehicle technician

The role of a qualified

Motor Vehicle Technician

 

​Day to day duties may include:

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  • carrying out standard servicing, repairs and maintenance

  • removal and replacement of vehicle components

  • solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment

  • telling customers if repairs are needed and whether they’re urgent

  • working out the estimated time and cost for jobs

  • road testing vehicles before and after repair

  • keeping records

 

With experience at this level you could progress to job roles such as a senior technician, workshop supervisor or garage manager.  There are also jobs such as breakdown engineers, MOT testers, or you could specialise in a particular area like motorsport engineering.  Some apprentices that we have trained at the GTA have gone on to successfully set-up and run their own garage or business.

How to Apply:

To apply to become an apprentice you need to complete the form on the APPLY NOW section of our website or email your CV to rachael@motortradesgta.org

 

You will be invited for a selection interview at the GTA to ensure your suitability for the apprenticeship programme.  If accepted then your next step is to find an employer that is willing to employ you. 

 

We can help with this, but it is important that you be prepared to apply to employers too.  This way, you maximise your chances of finding employment.  You will need to find an employer who is willing to employ you for 30 or more hours per week and who will allow you to attend college for one day per week, every week.

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If you are an employer wanting to find out more about taking on an apprentice please call 01482 353022 or email rachael@motortradesgta.org

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