Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

Halfords; Essex, Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in Essex seeks an Autocare Technician/Mechanics apprentice. In this role, you'll use diagnostic equipment, perform vehicle inspections, and receive hands-on training to develop your skills. You'll work under a mentor and complete a Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician. A full toolkit, uniform, and work boots are provided. The position offers a competitive starting wage and the possibility of a permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Benefits

Full Halfords toolkit

Mentorship during apprenticeship

Continued development and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of vehicle systems and mechanical components is required.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools effectively.
• Good communication skills for customer interaction.

Responsibilities

• Identify vehicle faults using diagnostic equipment.
• Service and inspect vehicles following checklists.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the work environment.

Skills

Use of diagnostic equipment

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician

Certificate in Automotive Refrigerant Handling

Level 2 qualification for safe isolation of electric and hybrid vehicles

Tools

Halfords toolkit

Job description

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

Responsibilities

• 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 customers and centre records
• Maintenance of a clean and tidy work environment
• Comply with health and safety procedures in the workplace in compliance with regulations, standards, and guidance
• Prepare the vehicle and working area before the work activity, e.g., remove or mitigate slip and trip hazards
• Maintain and restore the work area during and after activity
• Store, maintain (including calibration checks), and return tools and equipment to storage
• Access vehicle technical data to inform inspections and make judgements on wear and serviceability
• Comply with environmental and sustainability procedures, regulations, standards, and guidance; segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal
• Apply vehicle safety inspection and routine maintenance procedures using vehicle specific data on cars, car‑derived vans or light goods vehicles
• Select and use tools and equipment, mechanical and electrical measuring tools, and diagnostic equipment
• Remove, repair and replace vehicle tyre and balance wheel assemblies on cars, car‑derived vans or light goods vehicles (e.g., ultra‑low profile, directional, asymmetric, run‑flat tyres)
• Inspect, remove, and replace parts or components in cars, car‑derived 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
• Apply four‑wheel geometry checks and adjustments to cars, car‑derived vans, and light goods vehicles
• Apply safe working practices and procedures to isolate electrified vehicles for maintenance
• Record vehicle service maintenance, parts replacement, or repair
• Apply customer service principles and organisational customer care practices (e.g., identify customer and vehicle needs, resolve low‑level complaints, make recommendations, handle payments and sales processes)
• Provide quotations for cost and order automotive parts, products, and consumables applicable to the vehicle
• Apply procedures for stock and parts storage: ordering, checking, and stock rotation
• Apply organisational sales processes (e.g., show and tell, features and benefits, consultative selling, mini closing and closing)
• Apply team working principles
• Comply with equity, diversity, and inclusion guidance
• Communicate verbally with customers, suppliers, and colleagues
• Communicate in writing with internal and external customers, colleagues, and managers
• Use information and digital technology systems; comply with GDPR and cyber security
• Complete and record learning and development activities
• Apply procedures to check and replace fluids and filtration parts

Training schedule

• 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, including travel, accommodation, and meals
• In the workplace, your personal, dedicated mentor will support your continued learning as you apply the skills and knowledge 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
• 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

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
• 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
• Opportunities to drive your career forward; some apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers within the retail network

Wage £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices applies. Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab).

Training course: Autocare technician (level 2)

Hours: Monday‑Friday 8:30 am‑5:30 pm. Possibility of Saturday workings and/or shifts. Working week will be confirmed on application. 40 hours a week. Start date: Sunday 8 February 2026. Duration 2 years.