Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

Halfords; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known automotive service provider in London seeks an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice. You will gain hands-on experience using diagnostic equipment, performing vehicle inspections, and adhering to safety regulations. This apprenticeship includes a blend of remote and face-to-face training at a top-notch centre, with all training-related costs covered. Successful candidates will enjoy a full toolkit, opportunities for further training, and a permanent position upon completion.

Benefits

Full Halfords toolkit supplied

Mentorship support

Continued development opportunities

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Test parts and systems to ensure correct working.
• Comply with health and safety procedures and regulations.
• Provide quotations of cost and order automotive parts.

Skills

Problem solving and logical thinking

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Strong communication skills

Customer service orientation

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician

GCSE in English (grade 4/C)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C)

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (desirable)

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Vehicle technical data systems

Electronic systems

Job description

Every day is different within the Service department. As an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice you will:

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Test parts and systems to ensure correct working.
• Follow checklists to verify all critical parts of vehicles are examined.
• Carry out bumper‑to‑bumper overviews, service and inspection.
• Maintain electronic systems, including on‑board entertainment systems.
• Complete legible and accurate paperwork for customers and centre records.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work environment.
• Comply with health and safety procedures and regulations.
• Prepare the vehicle and working area before the work activity, removing or mitigating slip‑ and trip hazards.
• Maintain and restore the work area during and on completion of the activity.
• Store, maintain (including calibration checks) and return tools and equipment to storage.
• Access vehicle technical data to inform inspections and make judgments on wear and serviceability.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability procedures, segregating resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
• Apply vehicle safety inspection and routine maintenance procedures using vehicle‑specific data on cars, vans or light goods vehicles.
• Select and use mechanical, electrical measuring tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Remove, repair and replace vehicle tyres and balance wheel assemblies on cars, vans or light goods vehicles (e.g., ultra‑low profile, directional, asymmetric, run‑flat tyres).
• Inspect, remove and replace parts or components in cars, vans or light goods vehicles for steering, suspension, braking, emission, air‑conditioning, battery, charging, fluid and filtration systems.
• Apply state‑of‑health condition monitoring tests to high‑voltage batteries and chargers for electrified vehicles.
• Perform four‑wheel geometry checks and adjustments on cars, vans and light goods vehicles.
• Apply safe working practices to isolate electrified vehicles for maintenance.
• Record vehicle service maintenance, parts replacement or repair.
• Apply customer service principles and organisational customer care practices, resolving low‑level complaints and making recommendations based on inspection results.
• Provide quotations of cost and order automotive parts, products and consumables applicable to the vehicle.
• Apply procedures for stock and parts storage, including ordering, checking and stock rotation.
• Apply organisational sales processes (e.g., show and tell, consultative selling, closing).
• Apply team‑working principles.
• Comply with equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Use information and digital technology systems, complying with GDPR and cyber‑security.
• Complete and record learning and development activities.
• Apply procedures to check and replace fluids and filtration parts.

Qualifications & Training

• 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.
• GCSE in English (grade 4/C).
• GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C).
• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair desirable.

The apprenticeship training uses a combination of virtual classroom remote learning and face‑to‑face block release weeks at a state‑of‑the‑art training centre. Training-related costs, including travel, accommodation and meals, are fully covered. Upon successful completion you will receive:

• 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.

What We Offer

• Block release training.
• A full Halfords toolkit, uniform and work boots supplied.
• A mentor 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.

• Problem solving and logical thinking.
• Attention to detail and commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Teamwork and strong communication skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Interest in vehicle engineering.

Halfords is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.