Overview
As an apprentice at Ford & Slater you will be fully supported with all of the training you require to become a fully qualified HGV Technician. You will spend 3 years training alongside an experienced mentor at the Newark dealership as well as attending DAF Apprentice College on a one-week block release 10 times a year in Nottingham. Accommodation and travel will be provided during block release. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will have earned a Level 3 standard in HGV repair and maintenance and will be employed by us as a qualified technician with the opportunity to progress in a variety of areas within the business.
Responsibilities
- Observing and assisting experienced technicians in all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair
- Following strict health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment
- Undertaking servicing tasks to maintain vehicle performance and safety standards
- Assisting with MOT inspections, ensuring vehicles meet legal requirements; carry out basic mechanical and electrical tasks related to HGV
- The ability to keep updated with emerging new technologies within the HGV industry
- Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the company and legislative processes
- Access specific and related HGV technical information appropriately
- The ability to service, inspect and maintain HGVs and trailers to meet company, DVSA and manufacturers' standards
- Use a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HGVs
- Successfully inspect and prepare vehicles and trailers to meet DVSA standards prescribed in the tester's manual
- Carry out final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision
- Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical/problem solving techniques and regimes
- Maintain records to company and operators' licence obligations and regulation
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with internal teams and customers on topics that support HGV inspection and diagnosing techniques
Qualifications
- GCSE English (grade 4) and GCSE Maths (grade 4) or equivalent
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness, GCSE or equivalent in English Language and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
- Enthusiastic
- Strong communication skills
- Good time management and attention to detail
- Able to problem solve
- Able to work under instruction and as part of a team
- Strong focus on Health and Safety
Details
- Wage £16,224 per year. Wage increasing annually across the programme. Pay will rise at the start of the 2nd and 3rd year, subject to successful progression
- Training course: Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (level 3)
- Hours: Monday - Friday, approx. 8am-4.30pm (39 hours) with the possibility of occasional weekend working and overtime
- Start date: Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Duration: 3 years
- Location: Newark
Ford & Slater is one of the UK's largest DAF Truck dealer groups with 16 locations across the UK employing over 800 staff while remaining a family run business. Ford & Slater specialises in the maintenance and repair of DAF Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). This would be an ideal role for someone who wants to start their career journey in the automotive industry.