Apprenticeship Summary
Drive your business forward with highly skilled vehicle technicians
The Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) - Level 3 Apprenticeship is an excellent way to recruit and develop skilled automotive professionals capable of diagnosing, servicing and repairing modern vehicles to the highest standards.
Designed for employers across the automotive sector, this apprenticeship develops technicians with the advanced knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours needed to maintain increasingly complex vehicle systems, including hybrid and electric vehicle technologies. Technicians play a vital role in ensuring vehicles remain safe, efficient and roadworthy while delivering outstanding customer service.
Is this apprenticeship right for your business?
If your organisation is looking to strengthen workshop capability, address skills shortages or build a pipeline of future automotive specialists, this apprenticeship offers a proven workforce development solution.
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technicians perform a range of servicing, diagnostic and repair activities on cars and light vehicles. They combine technical expertise with strong problem-solving skills to identify faults, maintain vehicle performance and support customer satisfaction.
What will Apprentices Learn?
Apprentices develop comprehensive technical knowledge and practical skills across vehicle systems, diagnostics and maintenance activities.
Training combines workplace experience, technical workshops, manufacturer-aligned practices, practical projects and structured off-the-job learning, ensuring apprentices can apply their learning immediately within the workplace.
The programme is delivered on a day release basis.
Programme content includes:
- Advanced vehicle servicing and maintenance
- Engine, transmission and drivetrain systems
- Advanced vehicle diagnostics and fault finding
- Electrical and electronic vehicle systems
- Steering, suspension and braking systems
- Hybrid and electric vehicle technologies
- Health, safety and environmental responsibilities
- Customer service and communication
- Technical information and repair procedures
- Vehicle inspection and testing
- Quality control and workmanship standards
- Workshop efficiency and productivity
Apprentices develop the confidence to diagnose faults, recommend repairs and carry out maintenance activities safely and efficiently while meeting manufacturer and industry standards.
Learning combines expert teaching with practical application, enabling apprentices to deliver value to your business from day one.
Professional Skills Development
The apprenticeship focuses on the development of occupational competence through workplace learning and technical training.
Apprentices gain practical experience across a wide range of vehicle systems, technologies and repair processes, helping them develop the capabilities required to work independently as skilled automotive technicians.
The programme is particularly valuable as vehicle technology continues to evolve, increasing demand for technicians who can work confidently with modern electronic, hybrid and electric systems.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable role that allows them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Apprentices should also hold a grade 4 or equivalent in both GCSE English and maths.
Apprentices may be required to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship where appropriate. We will provide advice on the requirements that apply to your apprentice and support them throughout their learning journey.
How is the Apprentice Assessed?
Apprentices are assessed throughout the programme through workplace activities, technical reviews and practical skills development.
At the end of the apprenticeship, learners complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) designed to confirm they have achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Assessment methods typically include a combination of:
• Knowledge-based assessment
• Practical observation
• Professional discussion
These assessments reflect the demands of real automotive workplaces and ensure apprentices are fully competent in their role.
Need Help Finding the Right Apprentice?
Our Apprenticeship Onboarding Team can support you through every stage of the recruitment process, including promoting your vacancy to prospective candidates, including talent within our existing student cohort here at the College.
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or expanding your workforce, we'll help you find the right candidate for your business.
Ready to get started?
If you're looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee, our Employer Engagement Team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your workforce needs, funding options and upcoming start dates.
Funding and Employer Incentives
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or develop your existing workforce, with significant government funding available for eligible employers.
Our Employer Engagement Team will explain the funding and incentives available to your organisation. View our latest Apprenticeship Funding and Employer Incentives for the most up-to-date information.
Career Progression
The Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship provides a strong platform for future progression within the automotive industry.
Potential progression opportunities include:
• Diagnostic Technician
• Master Technician
• MOT Tester
• Workshop Controller
• Service Advisor
• Team Leader or Supervisor
• Manufacturer Specialist Technician
• Automotive management roles
The programme helps employers build future technical specialists and workshop leaders from within their own workforce.