Overview
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 a range of tools, measuring and diagnostic equipment to identify and repair simple system faults.
The Autocare 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 (including how to handle difficult customers and deal with customer disappointment). Plus 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.
Please Note: This Standard does not on its own qualify apprentices to work on air-conditioning systems. Employers who require apprentices to work on air-conditioning systems must also provide the F-Gas qualification
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- Entry requirements
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Level
Level 2
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Delivery/Study method
A minimum of 30 hours of on the job training at work place per week including a day/ block release to study theory at our Uxbridge campus.
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What will I 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 (TPMS), sidewall markings, homologated fitments relating to cars, car derived vans and light goods vehicles.
- Fundamentals of specific vehicle systems including steering and suspension, braking systems, battery and charging systems, exhaust systems and air-conditioning systems
- Vehicle 4-wheel geometry principles
- Basic consumer legislation relevant to the occupation
- Appropriate Health and 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 and 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.
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Duration and assessment
The duration of the apprenticeship is typically 30 months (this does not include the EPA period).
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Where next? Career/study opportunities
On completion of this Standard the Autocare 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.