Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Workshop Technician

John Lewis & Partners; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Vehicle Technician Apprentice at a forward-thinking company. You'll gain hands-on experience working alongside qualified technicians while learning to maintain heavy vehicles. This apprenticeship not only equips you with essential skills but also offers a pathway to a permanent role. Enjoy a supportive environment that values your growth and well-being, with comprehensive training and a chance to earn competitive wages as you progress. Join a team that champions innovation and inclusivity, making a real impact in the vehicle maintenance industry.

Benefits

25% discount at John Lewis & Partners

20% discount at Waitrose & Partners

Discounted cinema tickets

Discounted hotel rates

Flexible working hours

Parental leave policies

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Interest in the vehicle industry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform services, inspections, and repairs on heavy vehicles.
• Diagnose complex faults using diagnostic equipment.

Skills

English and Maths GCSE Grade C or Level 4

Interest in commercial vehicle industry

Problem-solving skills

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 the 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 Fenny Lock Vehicle Workshop in Milton Keynes.

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 complex faults using diagnostic equipment. 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 is delivered both on the job and through 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. Each apprentice will have a workplace and college mentor to support their progress, monitored via an electronic logbook. 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
• A proven interest in the commercial vehicle/vehicle industry

Benefits

• Partnership discount after three months: 25% off in John Lewis & Partners, 20% in Waitrose & Partners, including nominated household members
• Discounted cinema tickets and VIP experiences at the O2 arena
• Discounted rates at John Lewis Partnership hotels
• Flexible working, focus on well-being, and parental leave policies

Find out more about our benefits 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 inclusivity, aiming to create a happier world. We value diversity, kindness, and respect, and encourage everyone to thrive and be themselves.

Important Points

Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. We recommend applying early as vacancies may close early. We support flexible working arrangements and encourage discussions during interviews to accommodate individual needs.