Autocare Technicians/Mechanics

Halfords; Writtle; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive services provider in Writtle is offering an apprenticeship for Autocare Technicians/Mechanics. This role provides hands-on training in vehicle maintenance covering traditional, hybrid, and electric systems. Responsibilities include troubleshooting vehicle faults, maintaining service records, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates should possess Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance, GCSEs in English and Maths, and a drive to learn. Competitive salary and opportunities for permanent roles upon successful completion.

Benefits

Complete toolkit supplied

Mentorship from experienced professionals

Continuous development opportunities

Qualifications

• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning in automotive maintenance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
• Follow checklists for vehicle examination and conduct thorough inspections.
• Maintain electronic systems and document all work accurately.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and promote sustainability practices.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Compliance with health and safety procedures

Education

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

GCSE English (grade 4/C)

GCSE Maths (grade 4/C)

Job description

Job Overview

Autocare Technicians/Mechanics apprenticeships at Halfords provide a hands‑on, technical training journey covering traditional, hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance and repair.

Responsibilities

• Use diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults and test parts and systems to ensure correct working.
• Follow checklists to ensure all critical parts of vehicles are examined and conduct bumper‑to‑bumper overviews, service and inspection.
• Maintain electronic systems including on‑board entertainment systems and document all work in clean, legible paperwork for customers and centre records.
• Carry out safety procedures, health and safety compliance, and environmental and sustainability practices, including segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
• Select and use mechanical, electrical measuring tools and diagnostic equipment; remove, repair and replace vehicle tyre and balance wheel assemblies and replace wheel‑assembly components for steering, suspension, braking, emission, air conditioning, battery and charging, fluid and filtration systems.
• Apply high‑voltage battery and charger state‑of‑health condition monitoring tests, four‑wheel geometry checks and safe isolation practices for electrified vehicles.
• Record vehicle service maintenance, parts replacement or repair and provide quotations of cost and order automotive parts, products and consumables applicable to the vehicle.
• Apply customer service principles, resolve low‑level complaints and recommend products and services based on inspection and maintenance results, using organisational sales processes (show and tell, features and benefits, consultative selling, mini‑closing and closing).
• Communicate verbally with customers, suppliers and colleagues and in writing with internal and external customers, colleagues and managers.
• Use information and digital technology systems while complying with GDPR and cyber security, and complete and record learning and development activities.

Qualifications & Skills

• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or formal training at Level 1.
• GCSE English (grade 4/C) and Maths (grade 4/C); Government guidance on entry grades remains unchanged.
• Strong communication, customer service, teamwork, problem solving, attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn, passion for the industry and the brand.
• Equity, diversity and inclusion awareness and compliance with guidance.
• Competence in health and safety procedures, environmental procedures, and vehicle safety inspection and routine maintenance procedures using vehicle specific data.

Training & Apprenticeship Awards

• 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 and progression towards Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

What we offer

• Block‑release training and a fully rounded training experience including virtual classroom remote learning and face‑to‑face block release weeks at our state‑of‑the‑art training centre.
• A full Halfords toolkit, uniform and work boots supplied.
• A mentor in your garage to support you through the apprenticeship.
• 40‑hour work week if you are under 18, or 44 hours per week if you are over 18.
• Permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
• Continued development and training opportunities with Hybrid/Electric Vehicle and MOT training.
• Wage £15,704 for your first year, with potential increases depending on age and national minimum wage rates for apprentices.

Work Hours & Salary

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 Monday 2 March 2026. Duration 2 years.

Application Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join our team and embark on a long‑term career with excellent earning and progression opportunities once you complete your apprenticeship. Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.