Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Standard Level 3

The course is a combination of academic knowledge and practical skills. You will be working to A-Level standard for English, maths and science whilst gaining valuable hands on experience. If you are considering a pathway to university this course would be a suitable stepping stone however it would also allow you to build your understanding from the shop floor which is invaluable for many employers

On successful completion of this course,students can continue to work within the motor industry and gain promotion or progress onto university or a higher level/degree Apprenticeship. This standard 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).

You will also be eligible to apply for registration as an Engineering Technician with a relevant professional body, and have the opportunity to progress to Master Technician, management or to develop in their current role.

Please only apply for this course if you already have a suitable employer to support you throughout your Apprenticeship. If you do not currently have an employer you can apply for Apprenticeship vacancies by visiting www.peterborough.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies

 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. This Apprenticeship covers working in a dealership or an independent garage, franchise or large fleet operator that deals with many different makes of vehicles.

As an Apprentice you will 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. You can apply for an Apprenticeship if you are living in England, over 16 and not in full-time education. You must be in paid employment for the duration of your Apprenticeship, you cannot be self-employed or a volunteer.

Employers must pay you the minimum Apprenticeship wage or more, for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

A heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following:

• The fundamentals of HV technologies e.g. HV chassis design, engine, fuels, transmissions, electrical (12/24v), air-conditioning, hydraulic and air braking, air suspension systems etc.
• The types and associated characteristics of HV and their configurations and applications.
• Diagnosing principles and logical problem solving techniques related to HV.
• Sufficient H&S knowledge and environmental awareness to carry out the work safely.
•  Operators “O” Licence requirements relating to HVs.
• How to service, inspect and maintain vehicles and trailers to the expected standards and the importance of safety inspection and maintenance schedules to meet Operator’s (O) licence and legal obligations.
• Customer expectations and implications of work carried out.
• The need to be reliable, flexible, diligent and good timekeeper.
• How the business works from an operational perspective and demonstrate commercial and financial awareness in the HV industry.
• Complex problem solving techniques.
• The requirements of providing roadside assistance. The competency to achieve the following skills in the workplace:
• Carry out the basic tasks with tools and equipment common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical procedures related to HV.
•  The ability to keep updated with emerging new technologies within the HV industry. 
•  Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the company and legislative processes.
• Access specific and related HV technical information appropriately.
• The ability to service, inspect and maintain HVs and trailers to meet company, Driver and vehicle standards agency (DVSA) and manufacturers’ standards.
• Use a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HV’s.
•  Successfully inspect and prepare vehicles and trailers to meet DVSA standards prescribed in the tester’s manual.
•  Carry out final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision.
• Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical/problem solving techniques and regimes.
• Maintain records to company and operators’ licence obligations and regulation.
• To be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written mediums both internally and with customers on a range of topics that will support, HV inspection and diagnosing techniques.

  You will require the following behaviours in the workplace:

• To behave in accordance with the values of the company they work for whether manufacturer or independent to treat customers and stakeholders with courtesy and respond quickly to their requirements to ensure an excellent experience.
• To operate effectively as a team member taking ownership and responsibility when required and be honest and accountable in all activities when things do not go as planned.
• To work at continuous development of both self, team and processes. As an Apprentice, you will be expected to attend college 1 day a week as part of your ongoing 20% off-the-job training.

Additional off-the-job training hours are expected to be completed within the workplace, however, you may be asked to complete tasks at home via Google Classroom and One-file. Please note you may also be asked to complete additional English and Maths qualifications as part of the Apprenticeship programme.