Motor Vehicle (Heavy) Apprenticeship

A Heavy Vehicle (HV) technician services, inspects and repairs HVs, categorised by the Department of Transport as category N2 or N3, and associated trailers, with the associated ancillaries. They work in either a dealership that focusses on a particular manufacturer, or for an independent garage, franchise or large fleet operator 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.

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The day-to-day tasks faced by the technician are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques. During this apprenticeship, you will learn how to;

• Demonstrate expertise in the technical side of your role
• Solve problems
• Theoretical and practical aspects of vehicle systems and associated ancillaries.
• Operate as an effective team member
• Understand how your workshop/dealership/garage/branch functions from a commercial perspective.
• Use good customer handling skills and ways of working more efficiently

There is no qualification embedded in this programme, but you will have a logbook which will be completed.

As an apprentice, you can expect to undertake work-based learning with an employer who will pay you a wage. Throughout the duration of your apprenticeship, you will attend college for one day per week.

The rest of your training will take place in-house at your workplace by your employer and a qualified assessor who will visit you on-site who will complete assessments and progress reviews.

In order to complete the apprenticeship, you will undertake an End Point Assessment. It measures the knowledge, skills and behaviours each apprentice has developed and will include multiple-choice examinations, practical tasks observation and a professional discussion. This part of the apprenticeship is employer-led, so it will be your employer who decides if you are ready to undertake your End Point Assessment.

More detailed information can be found on the apprenticeship standard website (new window).

Learn in our large purpose built motor vehicle workshop equipped with the latest diagnostic testing and repair facilities. At City College we have a range of commercial and heavy goods vehicles available to practise on.

By completing a workplace audit the Apprenticeship Coordinator will be able to establish whether you are covering the right level of tasks in the workplace to support the criteria necessary for the on-site evidence.

To start the apprenticeship, you will need an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, all of which will have different requirements. If you already have an employer, please contact us. If you don't have an employer already, view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

You will be required to attend an initial assessment in Maths and English and a short interview prior to enrolment, and you will be expected to have a C/4 or Level 2 Functional Skill in Maths and English to enter gateway in order for you to complete your End Point Assessment.

This apprenticeship has been designed to meet the professional standards of the relevant professional bodies of the Engineering Council for initial registration as an Engineering Technician (Eng. Tech).

On completion of the apprenticeship, the Engineering Technician will be eligible to apply for registration as an Engineering Technician with a relevant professional body. Candidates will also have the opportunity to progress to Master Technician, into management or to develop in their current role.

Information for Employers

Each apprenticeship needs to include 20% off-the-job training. This must amount to 20% of the apprentice’s contracted employment hours across the whole apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training is learning undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship. Off the Job Training should also be relevant to the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed in the standard.

End Point Assessment

Each apprentice will need to undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.  It measures the knowledge, skills and behaviours each apprentice has developed. 

An apprentice can only take this assessment once all other aspects of the apprenticeship have been completed.  An apprentice needs to be completely ready to take this assessment and the employer and assessor will decide when the time is right.  A declaration will be signed by both the employer, apprentice and assessor.  If the apprentice fails the assessment, then there will be a re-sit charge, which is generally paid by the employer.

The EPA Consists of 3 discrete assessment methods:

1. Multiple-choice examinations – two sections to complete

2. Practical task observations – five observed tasks to complete

3. Professional discussion