Mechanic Apprenticeships: What you need to know

Mechanic Apprenticeships are an excellent foundation for school leavers wanting to pursue a career within the automotive industry. Are you passionate about vehicles and fixing things? An Apprenticeship could be just what you’re looking for.

The UK relies heavily on the automotive industry with over 35 million vehicles registered for use.

Mechanics are crucial to the maintenance and repair of these vehicles.

What do mechanic Apprenticeships involve?

Are you looking for an alternative to university? Want to continue your learning but also want a job? With an Apprenticeship you don’t need to choose one you can get the best of both worlds through an earn as you learn combination.

Mechanic Apprenticeships combine academic study with practical on the job training enabling you to gain invaluable skills, industry specific qualifications and essential experience. Mechanic Apprenticeships reflect the diversity of the industry as there are a wide range of roles you could be doing, and you don’t have to limit yourself to just cars. Mechanic Apprenticeships can offer exposure to working on light goods vehicles such as motorbikes, cars and heavy goods vehicles such as buses, coaches and lorries.

What roles could you be doing during a mechanic Apprenticeship?

Body and Paint – Body and paint apprentices repair cars that are damaged after being in an accident.

Service Technician – As a service technician you’ll be servicing and repairing vehicles using the latest diagnostic equipment.

Vehicle Fitting – Vehicle fitters repair, replace and inspect damaged tyres, exhausts, parts and batteries.

Who could I work for?

There are a wide range of automotive companies that offer Apprenticeships such as Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, BMW, Mini, Jaguar Land Rover, Skoda, SEAT, British Army and more! Being a mechanic apprentice doesn’t just mean you have to work for a large company, you could also work at a small local garage. You can apply for Apprenticeships from the above companies at Careermap.

What skills will I learn?

Mechanic Apprenticeships will equip you with a wide range of skills such as communication skills, practical skills, problem solving skills while developing your understanding and knowledge in the automotive industry.

Apprenticeship Standards

Apprenticeships are now changing; all frameworks will have been replaced with standards by 2020. Currently approved and ready for delivery are the following mechanic Apprenticeship standards:

1. Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) – Level 3
2. Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician – Level 3
3. Bus and Coach Engineering Technician – Level 3
4. Road Transport Engineering – Level 4

Still undergoing development and not yet ready for delivery are the following standards:

1. Vehicle Damage Assessor – Level 4
2. Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Trim and Electrical Technician (MET) – Level 3
3. Vehicle Damage Paint Technician – Level 3
4. Vehicle Panel Damage Technician – Level 3