Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician
An Introduction to the Programme
A heavy vehicle technician services, inspects and repairs HVs, categorised by the Department of Transport as category N2 or N3, and associated trailers, with the associated ancillaries. 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 nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The day-to-day tasks faced by the technician are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques. Today’s technician has to 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 member, understanding how their workshop and the dealership/garage/branch functions from a commercial perspective, have good customer handling skills and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently.
Functional Skills
To complete the apprenticeship the employee must pass level 1 English and maths (or have the appropriate exemption certificate) and be working towards level
2 prior to taking the end-point assessment for the apprenticeship.
End-Point Assessment
The end assessment should only commence once the employer is confident that the apprentice has developed all the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined in the apprenticeship standard.
Progression
Upon achieving this qualification, learners can progress onto further training and education in automotive and engineering subjects or to a job role in the vehicle maintenance sector.
Length of Programme
36 months