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Pathway summary

Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Framework:
Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
Level:
2/3/4

The Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Apprenticeship Level 2 & 3 involves the repair and maintenance of all types of vehicles.   You will carry out routine maintenance and basic repairs, as well as identifying and reporting faults

As an apprentice, you will learn how to diagnose, test and repair a range of vehicles including light and heavy vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes.

You could work for a dealership and focus on a particular manufacturer, or work for an independent garage that deals with many different makes of vehicles.

Vehicle repair is hands-on work with each vehicle presenting a new problem.  You will be required to perform some challenging tasks with intricacy and skill so good manual dexterity is essential. You will also be expected to handle heavy equipment and be standing for long periods throughout your working day.     

You will also need good communication skills in order to explain everything clearly to the customer.

Following completion, you can progress to the Higher Level Apprenticeship at Level 4 where you will learn how to become an effective first time manager in a maintenance and repair workshop.

Pathway options and levels

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair - Level 2

Pathway 1: Light vehicle – will support the role of Light Vehicle Service Technician 

Pathway 2: Heavy vehicle -  will support role of Heavy Vehicle Service Technician

Pathway 3:  Motorcycle -  Motorcycle Service Technician

Pathway 4: Auto electrical and Mobile Electrical Installation

Pathway 5: Heavy Vehicle Trailer

Pathway 6: Lift Truck

Pathway 7: Caravan and Motorhome  

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair - Level 3

Pathway 1: Light Vehicle – supports the role of Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician

Pathway 2: Heavy Vehicle – supports the role of Heavy Vehicle Diagnostic Technician.

Pathway 3: Motorcycle - supports the role of Motorcycle Diagnostic Technician.

Pathway 4: Auto electrical and Mobile Electrical Installation – supports the roles of Auto Electrical Diagnostic Technician and Mobile Electrical Installation Diagnostic Technician.

Pathway 5: Lift Truck – supports the role of Lift Truck Diagnostic Technician.

Pathway 6: Caravan and Motorhome – supports the role of  Caravan and Motorhome Advanced Technician.

Advanced Diagnostic and Management Principles - Level 4

Pathway 1: Advanced Diagnostic and Management Principles - supports the roles of Master/Senior Technician and Workshop Controller.

Further information

Duration

Level 2: 22 months

Level 3: 18 months

Level 4: 18 months

Progression routes

Level 2 Routes include:

  • Employment
  • Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (any pathway)
  • Further and Higher Education - Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma.

Level 3 Routes include:

  • Employment
  • Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
  • Foundation degree
  • Higher Education (HE) programmes such as MEng and BEng programmes in Automotive.

Level 4 Routes include

  • Employment
  • Higher Apprenticeship (Level 5) in Automotive Management and Leadership
  • Foundation degree for example, in Automotive Engineering or Automotive Technology
  • Higher Education (HE) programmes such as MEng and BEng programmes in Automotive.

Qualifications

Level 2: Diploma in chosen pathway

Level 3: Diploma in chosen pathway

Level 3 Extended Diploma (Pathway 6)

Level 4: Certificate In Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics and Management

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 2

Entry conditions are flexible and most employers are especially interested in applicants who can demonstrate: a positive, “can do” attitude and a willingness to work hard.

Good communication skills are essential along with an understanding of the importance of providing excellent customer service.  A colour blindness test is compulsory for those wishing to work with electrical systems.  

Level 2:  No specific entry requirements.

Level 3

Level 3: No specific entry requirements for most pathways with the exception of Pathway 6: Caravan and Motorhome where individuals will need to be interested “multi-skilled” training as will be working on a range of systems, including mechanics, chassis, brakes, gas, plumbing, carpentry/woodwork, electronics and communications technology using on board satellite and diagnostic systems.

Level 4

Level 4: Completion of an Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or have prior experience of working in the automotive or engineering industry at Level 3.

View full pathway

Document revisions

19 November 2021