Motor Trade – Maintenance and Repair

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Apprentice of the Year

 

Total People is a Centre of Vocational Excellence

 

 

 

	I didn’t get any practical experience at college and I didn’t earn any money either – an apprenticeship is definitely the best way of learning this trade.

Rory Winne has been working at D and D Autos in Sandbach for the last 14 months. “I’m employed as a Mechanic, which basically means I fix cars!” says Rory.

“I did two years at college then applied for a job here – I’m so much happier now, I didn’t get any practical experience at college and I didn’t earn any money either – an apprenticeship is definitely the best way of learning this trade”.

Rory is supported throughout his learning by a Total People Training Adviser “The system works really well,” says Rory. “I’m set targets that are realistic and most of the work is just providing evidence of what I do on a daily basis. Total People always help when I need it and I always feel that I’m supported by them. I love my job, and work-based learning with Total People makes it even better”.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. This is an ideal area of work for you if you have a genuine interest in motor vehicles, covering maintenance, servicing and repair. These days cars, their engines, components and electrical systems are extremely sophisticated, so the able mechanic must have a high level of training and knowledge.

You need to have good communication skills and be a team worker. You should also be keen on motor vehicle or motorcycle repair work, have plenty of energy, and be an enthusiastic learner.

Once you have completed your Apprenticeship, an Advanced Apprenticeship will be available to you. This is identical in structure to the Apprenticeship; however learning is at Level 3 which is equivalent to ‘A’ Level standard.

How do I find an Apprenticeship?

The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.

There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family or visit some garages directly, to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.

Once you have gained employment contact Total People!

What happens then?

Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your learning plan.

Your training will require you to attend college for one day a week. Your employer will give you time off to attend your classes and meet with your Training Adviser.

How long will it take?

There is no time limit to complete your NVQ as this depends on you. However, an average time is 2 years for an Apprenticeship and a further year for an Advanced Apprenticeship.
This means that normally takes approximately 3 years to become a qualified motor vehicle technician.

Usually, the Technical Certificate or Technical Diploma is delivered at a college. Both courses normally start in September and finish in May/June (the Certificate takes approximately 2 years and the Diploma approximately 1 year).

The other element of your Apprenticeship, Key Skills, takes around 12 months to complete, but again is dependant upon you!

Completing your Apprenticeship

Your Motor Vehicle – Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;

• NVQ
• Technical Certificate or Technical Diploma
• Key Skills

Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent. Your work will be assessed at your place of work.

The Technical Certificate or Technical Diploma gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.

Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs; however learning is focussed around Motor Vehicles; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of a job and then learn the best way to make your proposal to a prospective customer.

Further Progression

As well as nationally recognised qualifications, you will enjoy job satisfaction, work-based practical experience and an opportunity to establish yourself as a valuable team member.

 

 

 

 

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