Level 2 Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

Course Overview

Institute of Apprenticeships Reference Number: ST0499

An Autocare 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 various tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify & repair simple system faults.

Written by employers within the automotive retail industry, the Autocare Technician Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard provides learners with a fantastic start to their automotive career. Apprentices can gain expertise not only in the technical elements of the role but also learn excellent telephone, customer handling and effective sales skills.

Designed with different learning styles in mind, IMI’s solution ensures apprentices are fully engaged and prepared for their End Point Assessment (EPA). This new standard is suited to those who would have typically undertaken the light vehicle /fitting apprenticeship frameworks.

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.

Course Content

An Autocare 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 include 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,
The importance of following workplace procedures and the consequences of not doing so.
Contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace, including the maintenance of key equipment and carrying out general housekeeping
Carry out stock procedures including dealing with routine stock deliveries, placing stock into storage, carrying out stock rotation duties and ordering parts for customers following company procedures
Carry out the replacement of components on a specific range of vehicle systems including Steering & Suspension, Braking systems, Battery & Charging systems, exhaust systems and Air-Conditioning systems
Carry out 4-wheel Geometry operations including adjustments on a range of vehicles with different suspension and steering systems
Use a range of specialist tools & equipment, mechanical & electrical measuring tools and diagnostic equipment to support fault identification and repair
Identify & procure the correct parts to meet specific customer requirements
Access vehicle technical data to inform inspections and make judgements on wear and serviceability
Deal with and resolve low-level customer complaints
Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues
Use specific company IT systems within the workplace, including Point-of-sale systems and hand-held devices
Carry out vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance in line with manufacturers' specifications or approved schedules, company procedures and complete approved documentation
Make recommendations to customers based on the results of inspections, ensuring that sales recommendations are accurate and fully costed, are ethical and in the best interests of the customer at all times, using transparent language and avoiding jargon.
Carry out replacement/repair and balancing of a range of light vehicle tyres, including ultra-low profile, directional, asymmetric and run-flat tyres fitted to a range of wheel sizes and types

Entry Requirement

GCSEs at grade 3/D or above in English and maths

English and maths at Level 1 (or equivalent) are required to be held by the learner prior to the EPA. They must also have attempted a Level 2 (or equivalent) exam before the EPA. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3

Interested in the motor industry and vehicle repairs
Have a good grasp of vehicle systems
Problem-solving and self-organisation skills
Good communication skills, both oral and written
Works well independently and as part of a team

Assessment

In addition to the formal EPA Gateway, there are also Gateways in place. These Gateways can be used to review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviour, as set by Gateway criteria. This will also confirm the apprentice is meeting expectations at the EPA Gateway before their EPA.

GATEWAY 1

Review of eLogbook against Soft Skills and Behaviour Assessment tool

Skills Assessment (Practical Task)

Knowledge Assessment (Online Test)

GATEWAY 2

Review of eLogbook against Soft Skills and Behaviour Assessment tool

Skills Assessment (Practical Task)

Knowledge Assessment (Online Test)

F-G Regulation qualification

END POINT ASSESSMENT GATEWAY

English + Maths Level 1 & One attempt at Level 2

Review eLogbook and criteria listed in the Behaviour tool