Course overview

Auto Care Technician Level 2 Apprenticeship City of Bristol College

An Auto-care Technician carries out a range of services and repairs to cars, car-derived vans and light goods vehicles, working in an Auto-care or ‘Fast-Fit’ Centre, which may be part of a national chain or operated by a regional/local independent group/owner. An Auto-care Technician requires a unique combination of technical, retail and customer service skills. They will use a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair simple system faults.

The Auto-care Technician has to demonstrate expertise not only in the technical elements of their role and have a good grasp of the practical and theoretical aspects of the vehicle systems they service, but also needs to have excellent telephone, customer handling and effective sales skills, as well as strong problem solving and self-organisation skills.

They must be able to work as part of a team but also operate independently, understand how their centre operates from a commercial perspective and how their actions contribute to business results, whilst maintaining a high standard of workmanship.

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This apprenticeship is for anyone developing a career in the motor industry. These practical qualifications demonstrate your skills on the job, in your workplace, showing that you meet national standards for automotive workers.

All apprentices commencing their apprenticeship must have an Apprenticeship Agreement between the employer and the apprentice. This can be used to reinforce the understanding of the requirements of the apprenticeship.

On completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice must be able to undertake the full range of duties, in the range of circumstances appropriate to the job, confidently and competently to the standard set by the industry.

What you'll learn

An Auto-care Technician will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the following:

– Tyre legislation and technical information including EU Tyre labelling, Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems, sidewall markings, homologated fitments relating to cars, car derived vans and light goods vehicles

– Fundamentals of specific vehicle systems including steering & suspension, braking systems, battery & charging systems, exhaust systems and Air-Conditioning systems

– Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles

– Basic consumer legislation relevant to the occupation

– Appropriate Health & Safety legislation and requirements for the workplace

– Hybrid/Electric Vehicle system and safe working procedures

– Data protection requirements to protect customer and payment information

– General sales principles including, identifying customer & vehicle needs, presenting solutions, closing the sale and dealing with buying resistance

– How the business works and how you contribute to the overall results, demonstrating commercial awareness

– How to carry out vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance using manufacturers specifications or approved schedules, using vehicle specific data and meeting legal requirements

– The importance of following work place procedures and the consequences of not doing so.

Course entry requirements

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for applicants. It is however recommended that candidates can demonstrate an interest in the occupation as well as an ability to work in an organised and methodical way to identify and solve problems; also demonstrate an ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Apprentices without level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their apprenticeship end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or legacy statement, the English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

Typically it is expected that it will take 30 months for the apprentice to attain the required level of competence in the workplace. However, it may be sooner if an individual already has significant prior training and practical experience.

Future career and study opportunities

On completion of this Standard the Auto-care Technician will be eligible to apply for IMI membership as a Registered Young Professional or if they wish as an Associate Member. They would also gain entry onto the IMI Professional Register.

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

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