Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (light vehicles) (Level 3 Standard)

A motor vehicle service and maintenance technician services and repairs light vehicles such as cars and vans and works either in dealerships which focus on a particular manufacturer, or in an independent garage which deals with many different makes of vehicles.

The technician must be able to work independently but also operate as an effective team member and have good customer handling skills. They will understand how their workshop and the dealership/garage functions from a commercial perspective and identify ways in which they can work more efficiently. Technicians working in large dealerships work with other departments, for example carrying out work for the Sales Department and ordering parts from the Parts Department, whereas apprentices in smaller independent garages may be called upon to carry out some of the function of the other departments themselves, for example managing their own delivery of parts.

The technician will work on all the systems found within the vehicle. The day-to-day work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment. The tasks faced are constantly changing, driven by the introduction of ever more complex technologies and diagnostic techniques.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

Completion of a Level 2 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship would reduce the duration of this programme.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in automotive garages, dealerships, or fleet workshops while attending college one day per week. They inspect, service, and repair cars and vans; gaining practical experience with engines, brakes, electrics, and diagnostics under qualified supervision.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers vehicle systems, routine maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair techniques, health and safety, and customer service. Apprentices also learn to use diagnostic equipment, interpret technical data, and follow manufacturer specifications and legal standards.

• Specialist Pathways: Depending on the business need and learner’s interest, they may specialise in electric and hybrid vehicles, diagnostics, or fleet maintenance. Employers may support additional training in ADAS systems, air conditioning, or manufacturer-specific technologies depending on workshop focus.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 2-3 years), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles like vehicle technician, service technician, or diagnostic technician, with progression into MOT testing, master technician roles, or automotive engineering pathways.

For a comprehensive understanding of this motor vehicle programme and what it entails, please click here.

This motor vehicle Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, for the duration of your apprenticeship to assess you in the workplace and review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do the job effectively.

Typically, this Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship will take 3 years to complete or two years if you have already completed the Level 2 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk