Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

Halfords; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

A national automotive service provider is seeking an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice in Southend-on-Sea, UK. The role provides hands-on training with a range of vehicles, focusing on diagnostics, maintenance, and customer service. Apprentices will work full-time, with a starting wage of £15,704 and benefits including a toolkit and mentor support. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking for a long-term career in the automotive industry, with clear progression paths.

Benefits

Full toolkit supplied

Mentorship support

Training costs covered

Permanent role upon completion

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.
• Willingness to learn with attention to detail necessary.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Perform routine maintenance and service inspections.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer care

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Logical thinking

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4/C)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C)

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Automotive parts

Job description

Overview

Every day is different within the Service department. As a Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice, you will work with a wide range of products, from traditional, hybrid and electronic engines to heritage vehicles and cutting‑edge modern technology. The role offers a varied technical training experience to build your skills.

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.
• Maintain 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, removing or mitigating slip and trip hazards.
• 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.
• 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.
• Inspect, remove and replace parts or components for steering systems and suspension systems, braking systems, emission systems, air‑conditioning systems, battery and charging systems, fluid and filtration systems.
• Apply state‑of‑health condition monitoring tests to high‑voltage batteries and chargers for electrified cars, car‑derived vans or light goods 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, including identifying customer and vehicle needs, resolving low‑level customer complaints and making recommendations to customers based on inspection, maintenance or repair results.
• 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, including show and tell, features and benefits, consultative selling and mini closing and closing.
• Apply team‑working principles.
• Comply with equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
• Communicate with others verbally, for example customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Communicate in writing, for example with internal and external customers, colleagues and managers.
• 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

• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair desirable.
• GCSE in English (grade 4/C) and Maths (grade 4/C).
• Strong communication, customer care and problem‑solving skills.
• Enthusiasm, willingness to learn and teamwork.
• Logical thinking and attention to detail.

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.

Benefits and 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.
• Wage £15,704 for your first year, subject to age and National Minimum Wage rates.
• Hours Monday – Friday, 08:30‑17:30, with possibility of Saturday work or shifts.
• Start date Sunday 8 February 2026, duration 2 years.

Application

Apply now if you are looking for a long‑term career, excellent earning and progression opportunities once you complete your apprenticeship. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.