Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

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

Job summary

A leading automotive retailer in Watford is seeking an enthusiastic Autocare Technicians/Mechanics apprentice. You will be responsible for using diagnostic equipment, completing vehicle inspections, and maintaining a clean work environment. The apprenticeship includes block release training with a dedicated mentor. Successful candidates will gain several qualifications and a permanent role upon completion. The wage starts at £15,704, with opportunities for continued development and training in the automotive field.

Benefits

Block release training

Full toolkit and uniform supplied

Dedicated mentor support

Permanent role upon completion

Development opportunities with Hybrid/Electric Vehicle training

Qualifications

• Looking for an enthusiastic individual committed to completing the apprenticeship.
• Must demonstrate problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Passion for the motor industry and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Complete accurate paperwork for customer and center records.
• Comply with health and safety procedures in the workplace.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork skills

Customer care skills

Logic

Education

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (desirable)

GCSE in English (grade 4/C)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C)

Job description

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 the customers and centres 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, removing or mitigating slip and trip hazards
• Maintain and restore the work area during and after the 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 car, car derived van or light goods vehicle
• 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 car, car derived van or light goods vehicle (including 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 systems, 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, e.g. identifying customer and vehicle needs, resolving low‑level customer complaints, making recommendations based on inspection, maintenance or repair outcomes, managing customer payment transactions and organisational sales processes
• 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, mini closing and closing)
• Apply team working principles
• Comply with equity, diversity, and inclusion guidance
• Communicate with others verbally (customers, suppliers, colleagues) and in writing (internal and external customers, colleagues, 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 & Apprenticeship Outcomes

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 gained through the remote sessions and the training centre. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme 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 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
• Work experience with one of the UK’s leading automotive and cycling retailers, servicing over one million customers a year

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual committed to completing this apprenticeship programme. You should be able to demonstrate logic, problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for the motor industry and our brand.

Key Qualifications

• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (desirable)
• GCSE in English (grade 4/C)
• GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C)
• Communication skills, attention to detail, organisation skills, customer care skills, problem‑solving skills, teamwork skills

Personal Skills & Traits

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Teamwork
• Strong communication
• Customer Service
• Interest in vehicle engineering

Additional Information

Wage £15,704 for the first year, increasing based on age and applicable to the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices. Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 17:30. Possibility of Saturday work or shifts. Start date Saturday 28 February 2026. Duration 2 years.