Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Technician

Waitrose & Partners; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity to become a Vehicle Technician Apprentice with a leading employee-owned business. This role offers hands-on experience in maintaining heavy vehicles, alongside qualified technicians. You will gain essential qualifications, with a clear path to a permanent position. Enjoy a supportive training environment that combines practical work with structured learning at a renowned automotive academy. With a focus on problem-solving and teamwork, this apprenticeship is perfect for those passionate about the vehicle industry. Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in logistics!

Benefits

Partnership discount after three months

Discounted cinema tickets

Discounted holidays at John Lewis Partnership hotels

Work-life balance initiatives

Flexible working arrangements

Parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills and understanding of vehicle systems.
• Ability to perform services, inspections, and repairs on heavy vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside qualified Technicians learning to maintain heavy vehicles.
• Diagnose and solve complex faults using diagnostic tools.

Skills

English and Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4

Interest in the commercial vehicle/vehicle industry

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths

Job description

About the role

Do you have a passion for vehicles and want to understand how to maintain them? We have an exciting opportunity to become a Vehicle Technician Apprentice in John Lewis Partnership. Our Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technicians are the lifeblood of our logistics network. Without them, our shelves would be empty and our customers disappointed. Our Vehicle Technicians are encouraged to manage their own time, while being proactive to ensure our Commercial Fleet is maintained.

You'll gain the qualifications you need to do the job and the opportunity of securing a permanent Heavy Vehicle Technician role with us at the end of your apprenticeship.

At a glance

This role is based at our vehicle workshop in Leyland.

This is a permanent position with a starting pay rate of £12.45 per hour. For the first year of your apprenticeship, you will work Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm. From year 2 onwards, you will work flexibly across all shifts to gain a broader understanding of the operation.

We are recruiting candidates to start in August 2025.

Pay rate breakdown

Starting Pay Rate - £12.45 per hour

After passing year 1 exams - £12.80 per hour

After passing year 2 exams - £13.50 per hour

Upon completing the Apprenticeship - £16.15 per hour

About the role

As an Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Technician, you will work within our Workshops alongside qualified Technicians, learning to perform services, inspections, and repairs on heavy vehicles. Your tasks will range from replacing simple parts to diagnosing and solving complex faults using diagnostic tools. You will work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and a good understanding of vehicle systems and related components.

For more details, see the attached job outline.

Apprenticeship Training

Training combines on-the-job learning with 7-week training blocks at S&B's Automotive Academy in Bristol. Apprentices will travel and stay in hotel accommodation, with all costs covered by the Partnership.

You will have a workplace and college mentor supporting you throughout, with progress monitored via an electronic logbook accessible at any time.

The apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years, culminating in a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance.

Essential Skills

• English and Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4
• Interest in the commercial vehicle/vehicle industry

Benefits

• Partnership discount after three months: 25% in John Lewis & Partners, 20% in Waitrose & Partners, including a shared discount for someone you live with.
• Discounted cinema tickets and VIP experiences at the O2 arena.
• Discounted holidays at John Lewis Partnership hotels.
• Work-life balance initiatives, flexible working, and parental leave policies.

More benefits are detailed at: https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/

About The Partnership

We are the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and diversity, aiming to build a happier world and a place where everyone can thrive.

Important Points

Some roles may require pre-employment checks, including DBS and financial probity checks. Apply promptly, as vacancies may close early due to high interest. We support flexible working arrangements; discuss your needs with the hiring manager.