Overview of the Role

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 & 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 (including how to handle difficult customers and deal with customer disappointment) 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.

Gateway Requirements

  • Confirmation from the employer that they are confident the apprentice is occupational competent
  • Level 2 English and Maths
  • A Portfolio of work

Knowledge Test

  • 2-part online exam:
    • Part A – 60 minutes containing 50 multiple choice questions
    • Part B – 45 minutes containing 20 alternate format questions
    • Graded as Fail/Pass/Distinction.

Skills Test

  • A one day practical observation of the apprentice in a controlled environment.
    • A range of 5 practical tasks, providing an opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
    • Graded as Fail/Pass/Distinction.

Professional Review

  • 60 minutes structured discussion:
    • Apprentice portfolio used to exemplify performance
    • Assesses selected knowledge, skills and behaviours
    • Graded as Fail/Pass/Distinction.

Overall Grade and Certification

  • Graded Fail/Pass/Distinction
  • We’ll activate certification once the apprentice has successfully completed all EPAs, and the IEPA has verified this. Working with the apprenticeship certificate issuing authority, we’ll ensure the apprentice receives their certificate.

For further information regarding the apprenticeship standard and assessment plan, including the full details of the assessment methods, please see the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.