Halfords Banbury - Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

At Halfords, we're all about the journey. With more than 600 stores with over 10,000 colleagues, we're the UK's leading retailer of automotive and cycling products. We are also the leading operator in MOT, tyres, car servicing and car repairs - pleasing more than 750,000 customers every year. We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality motoring products to ensure you get the job done safely and efficiently.

The Halfords apprenticeship programme will equip you with all the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to start a successful career with us. We have over 700 garages across England, Scotland and Wales where our highly trained Technicians carry out MOT’s, car servicing and repairs for over one million customers a year. As a Halfords apprentice, you will master a range of technologies across all kinds of cars – that’s a lot of valuable, career enhancing knowledge.

Job description

The Service department is vital to the success of our business. From right first-time fixes, to delivering excellent customer service, our Autocare Technicians/Mechanics play a pivotal role in delighting our customers and encouraging their continued loyalty.

Every day is different within the Service department. As a Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice, some of your duties will include:

Use of diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.

Testing of parts and systems to ensure correct working.

Following checklists to ensure all critical parts of vehicles are examined.

Carrying out bumper to bumper overview, service, and inspection.

Maintenance of electronic systems including on- board entertainment systems.

Completion of legible and accurate paperwork for the customers and centres records

Maintenance of a clean and tidy work environment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of products including traditional, hybrid and electronic engines. From heritage vehicles to leading edge modern technology, our range will provide you with a varied technical training experience to build your skills as a Autocare Technician/Mechanic.

Training Provided

Training will be delivered using a combination of virtual classroom remote learning and face-to-face block release weeks at our state-of-the-art training centre.

Successful applicants are required to travel to a centrally located training facility to complete their apprenticeship training. All training-related costs are fully covered as part of the programme, including travel, accommodation, and meals.

In the workplace, your personal, dedicated mentor will support your continued learning as you apply the skills and knowledge you have gained through the remote sessions and the training centre.

This is a fully rounded training experience where you will build life skills that last and gain both apprenticeship qualifications and brand certifications.

Qualifications received

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will receive the following

Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician

Certificate in Automotive Refrigerant Handling

Level 2 qualification for safe isolation of electric and hybrid vehicles

Brand specific certifications

Progression towards Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Future prospects

Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will continue your learning journey and you will have the opportunity drive your career forward. Some of our apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers within the retail network.

Qualifications required

GCSE grades 9 – 4 (A – C) or equivalent in English and Maths.

In Scotland, applicants must have Scottish National 5 Grades A - C or above in English and Maths.

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Equivalent' grades include

• BTEC first diplomas and certificates
• OCR Nationals
• Key Skills Level 2
• NVQs
• Essential Skills (Wales)
• Functional Skills Level 2
• Core Skills (Scotland)

Personal qualities

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate skills in logic and problem solving. You should be someone who pays attention to detail and is committed to completing this apprenticeship programme.

We are looking for people who have some experience in the motor industry either with formal training at Level 1 or having worked at or within a similar organisation. You should be passionate about our industry and our brand. Some of the personal skills that you should think about showing us in your application are:

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Teamwork
• Strong communication
• Customer Service
• Interest in vehicle engineering

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join our team and embark on a long term career, with excellent earning and progression opportunities once you complete your apprenticeship.

A Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is desirable

What we offer

• Block release training
• A full Halfords toolkit, uniform and work boots supplied
• A mentor in your garage to support you through the apprenticeship
• A 40 hour working week if you are under 18 or 44 hours per week if you are over 18
• Permanent role upon successful completion of your apprenticeship
• Continued development and training opportunities with Hybrid/Electric Vehicle and MOT training