Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Level 3)

Course Overview

A Light Vehicle technician services, inspects and repairs Light Vehicles and 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 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.Today's technician must demonstrate expertise in the technical side of their role. They must have strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of vehicles systems and associated ancillaries. They must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team.

What will I learn?

How to develop positive working relationships and communicate effectively and how to carry out self-evaluation and improve own performance;
The procedures for the maintenance of tools and the workshop;
Routine servicing and inspection procedures;
Steering and suspension geometries; electrical circuit requirements and calculations;
Construction and operation of vehicle components and systems;
Common fault types, causes and effects of different types of faults;
The implications and legal requirements of fitting accessories and carrying out vehicle modifications
How to diagnose faults using suitable fault finding strategies;
Construction and operation of advanced electrical, braking and suspension systems, engine and transmission systems and engine and gear calculations;
Vehicle emissions and legal requirements;
Alternative fuels and hybrid and electric systems.
Mandatory - All apprentices are required to hold or obtain the F-Gas qualification in line with the EU regulation. This states that everyone involved in the installation, commissioning, service, maintenance and leak testing of stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment requires this.
Mandatory - English and Maths L2 (or equivalent), to be held by the learner prior to their End-Point Assessment. IMI provides solutions to any apprentice that does not have a L2 (or equivalent) in Maths or English before starting, to achieve this before completion of the standard.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for the applicants. It is however recommended that to optimise the chance of selection, candidates can demonstrate an interest in how the LV industry operates as well as ability to work in an organised and methodical way to analyse and solve problems; be able to demonstrate mechanical skills; also demonstrate an ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship.

You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.

If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email [email protected] or call 0845 345 2235.

If you don't have an employer, you can still apply for an apprenticeship directly - check out our latest apprenticeship vacancies here: https://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/information/apprenticeship-faqs/apprenticeship-vacancies

1. Use your full name not a shortened version, i.e. 'Thomas' rather than 'Tom'
2. If possible, do not use your school email. We will send you important emails in July and August about your course and how to enrol, and you may not be able to access them from your school email
3. Provide your predicted grades – this enables the Admissions Team to assess your application to make sure you have applied for the correct level of course
4. If you are under 18 provide us with a parent/guardian contact with telephone number and email
5. Only apply for one course – if you wish to apply for a second one, please email [email protected] and we will add the course to your existing application
6. If you have previously applied or studied at the College and are applying with a different name or address to the one we have our records from that time, please email [email protected] with the details so we can match up your old record to you current application