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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, 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.

The technician will work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The day-to-day work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The tasks faced are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques.

The growing complexity of todays 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.

Apprentices will be supported in the workplace by experienced and competent trainers. All apprentices must complete 20% off-the-job training through a range of learning methods including college sessions. You will be assessed by written assignments, completing a small scale project and an End Point Assessment which will include a multiple choice test, a presentation and professional discussion.

Apprentices must complete, or have previously completed recognised English and Mathematics Level 1 qualifications / GCSE minimum grade 3 and aspire to achieve English and Mathematics Level 2 qualifications during the apprenticeship.

Apprentices may have the opportunity to progress onto further training and complete their level 3 apprenticeship and progress in their workplace.

All course fees associated with Apprenticeships are paid by the employer. If your employer pays into the Apprenticeship Levy your fees will be paid through this process. If your employer is not a levy paying employer then training for 16 18 year old learners is free and the training is subsidised for Apprentices over 19 years old. Course fees paid by the employer will vary but are likely to be in the region of £300 £1200 depending on the qualification.

All apprentices must be employed in a relevant area to their apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are mostly delivered in the workplace. Some qualifications involve classroom delivery and this can take place at College or on employer premises. The College offers a range of day release, block release and 1:1 tuition options to suit the needs of employers and Apprentices alike. Your trainer, who will support you through your apprenticeship, will visit you in the workplace every 4 to 6 weeks.

Once you have completed your online application you will receive an invite to interview. Once you have received an offer you will be invited to attend an induction session at the College which will be followed up with a visit with your employer. When your enrolment has been completed, your delivery and assessment can commence.