Any application for a full-time course submitted after 16 June will be treated as a late application.
What can this course lead to?
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.
Who is it for?
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.
What is covered?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Individual employers will set selection criteria, inclduing GCSEs at grade C/4 and above including English, maths and science.
You will also require a suitable supportive employer who will guide you through your Apprenticeship. If you do not have an employer already you can apply for Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on our website – https://www.peterborough.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies/
We strongly advise you to complete a minimum of 2 weeks work experience with your employer prior to the start of your Apprenticeship to ensure it is a suitable organisation for your needs.
As well as being assessed continually throughout your Apprenticeship course, all Apprentices are required to complete an End–point Assessment in order to complete their qualification. The EPA is conducted independently to your employer and Peterborough College and is designed to test whether you have gained the skills, knowledge and behaviours outline in the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Standard. You will be graded according to your individual performance.
Throughout the duration of your Apprenticeship you will complete a number of assessments, only when these have been completed can your assessor and employer agree to put your forward for the ‘Gateway’. This gateway allows you to focus on and prepare for your EPA in order to complete your Apprenticeship. During this time your employer will be expected to support you to prepare for your EPA through regular training.
The End-point assessment (EPA) will include 3 individual activities, all activities must be completed to pass the EPA. 1) Multiple Choice Examinations – 2x 1 hour multiple choice exams test your knowledge 2) Practical task observation – a 30 minute ‘walk and talk’ around all vehicle systems that you should know at the end of your Apprenticeship regardless of trade specific role. You will then be asked to carry out 4 tasks from the following categories: Chassis, Driveline, Engine and Electrical. 3)
Professional Discussion and review of behaviours – this discussion will be based on the portfolio of evidence you have logged throughout the Apprenticeship. Results of these activities will contribute to an overall grade of Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction. Throughout the Apprenticeship it is your responsibility with the help from your employer, assessor and college tutors to ensure you are ready for your final independent EPA. More information about your EPA will be given to you by your Assessor at the Apprenticeship Sign Up.
Learners may need to purchase a uniform and/or equipment depending on the employer.
Reality check
A motor vehicle Apprentice could expect to work within garage setting, working with customers and possible be on call to assist broken down vehicles.
Your working environment can be noisy and dirty.
An Apprentice will work on average 30 hours a week including evenings and weekends this may vary throughout the year dependent on seasonal trends and workloads. Average salaries for qualified motor vehicle Apprentices vary between £18,000 and £21,000.
As an employed status Apprentice you will:
Earn a wage – the national minimum wage for Apprentices is £6.40 an hour from April 2024, although many Apprentices earn more than this. Please note you must be a paid employee of the business, you cannot be self-employed or a volunteer.
Have a contract of employment – this must be given to you at the start of your employment.
Get paid holidays – these will be detailed in your contract of employment.
Receive training – it is crucial to the success of your Apprenticeship that your employer supports you with regular training.
The Apprenticeship standard states you must complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training which can also include training at Peterborough Regional College and training within the workplace. You will also be expected to build a portfolio and complete tasks on One-file and Google Classrooms.
Start date: 15/09/2025
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36 months - additional time may be required to complete your independent End-Point assessment. You must have a contract of employment for the duration of your Apprenticeship programme
Full-time courses are fully funded for 16 to 18-year-olds. For age 19+, various funding options are available.

The tuition I received at Peterborough College was a very strong foundation of automotive mechanics and the industry where I now work as Regional After Sales Manager, covering Texas, California and the South-West for Aston Martin North America. The lecturers were hugely inspiring to me and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the College in launching me on a career in automotive spanning 30 years.
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