Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

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

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in Greater London is offering an apprenticeship for an Autocare Technician/Mechanic. You will learn to maintain and repair various vehicles, ensuring adherence to safety standards. Responsibilities include diagnosing vehicle faults, maintaining tools, and providing excellent customer service. The role offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and potential for career advancement upon completion. Salary starts at £15,704 during the first year and opportunities for further roles await. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, with the possibility of Saturdays.

Benefits

Block release training

Full toolkit and uniform provided

Dedicated mentor support

Continued training opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician.
• Must be willing to work towards Level 3 apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance.
• Communication skills, attention to detail, and customer care are essential.

Responsibilities

• Identify vehicle faults using diagnostic equipment.
• Carry out service and inspection on vehicles.
• Maintain tools and equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Team working

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Autocare Technician

Certificate in Automotive Refrigerant Handling

Level 2 qualification for safe isolation of electric and hybrid vehicles

GCSE English (grade 4/C)

GCSE Maths (grade 4/C)

Job description

Every day is different within the Service department. As an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of vehicles, from traditional to hybrid and electric engines. You will support the team in providing high‑quality customer service and ensuring all work meets safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Test parts and systems to ensure correct working.
• Follow checklists to ensure all critical parts of vehicles are examined.
• Carry out bumper‑to‑bumper overview, 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 in the workplace.
• Prepare the vehicle and working area before the work activity.
• Store and maintain tools and equipment, including calibration checks.
• Access vehicle technical data to inform inspections and make judgements on wear and serviceability.
• Apply vehicle safety inspection and routine maintenance procedures using vehicle specific data.
• Select and use mechanical and electrical measuring tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Remove, repair and replace vehicle tyre and balance wheel assemblies.
• Inspect and replace parts in steering, suspension, braking, emission, air‑conditioning, battery, 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.
• Apply safe working practices to isolate electrified vehicles for maintenance.
• Record vehicle service maintenance, parts replacement and repair.
• Apply customer service principles and organisational customer care practices.
• Provide quotation of 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: show and tell, features and benefits, consultative selling.
• Apply team working principles.
• Communicate verbally and 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.
• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair desirable.
• GCSE English (grade 4/C) and GCSE Maths (grade 4/C).
• Communication skills, attention to detail, organisation skills, customer care skills, problem solving skills, team working.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn, passion for industry and brand.

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 as part of the programme, including travel, accommodation and meals. In the workplace, your personal, dedicated mentor will support your continued learning as you apply the skills and knowledge you have 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.

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.
• 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.
• High quality motoring products and a supportive team.

After this apprenticeship

Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will continue your learning journey and have the opportunity to drive your career forward. Some of our apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers within the retail network.

Wage and Employment Details

Wage £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.

Hours Monday‑Friday 8.30am‑5.30pm. Possibility of Saturday workings and/or shifts. Working week will be confirmed on application. 40 hours a week. Start date Saturday 28 February 2026. Duration 2 years.