Halfords Autocentre Colchester Angorra - Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

Inspiro Learning; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice to deliver excellent customer service and perform vehicle diagnostics. The role includes comprehensive training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement after completing the apprenticeship. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, and a desire to work in the automotive field. This apprenticeship offers valuable experience and qualifications in a supportive environment, with a pathway to more advanced roles in the future.

Benefits

Full Halfords toolkit, uniform, and work boots supplied

Mentor support during apprenticeship

Permanent role upon completion of apprenticeship

Continued training opportunities with Hybrid/Electric Vehicle training

Qualifications

• GCSE grades 9–4 (A–C) or equivalent in English and Maths.
• Experience in the motor industry with formal training.
• Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is desirable.

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 a clean and tidy work environment.

Skills

Logic and problem solving

Attention to detail

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Teamwork

Strong communication

Customer Service

Interest in vehicle engineering

Education

GCSE grades 9–4 (A–C) in English and Maths

Scottish National 5 Grades A–C in English and Maths

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (desirable)

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Halfords toolkit

Job description

Overview

The Service department is vital to the success of our business. From right first‑time fixes, to delivering excellent customer service, our Autocare Technicians/Mechanics play a pivotal role in delighting our customers and encouraging their continued loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

As an Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice, your duties will include:

• 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 the customers and centre’s records.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work environment.

Training Provided

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.

Qualifications Received

• 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

Future Prospects

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.

Qualifications Required

GCSE grades 9–4 (A–C) or equivalent in English and Maths.
For Scotland, applicants must have Scottish National 5 Grades A–C or above in English and Maths.

Equivalent grades include:

• BTEC first diplomas and certificates
• OCR Nationals
• Key Skills Level 2
• NVQs
• Essential Skills (Wales)
• Functional Skills Level 2
• Core Skills (Scotland)

Personal Qualities

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate skills in logic and problem solving, pay attention to detail and be committed to completing this apprenticeship programme.

We are looking for people who have some experience in the motor industry either with formal training at Level 1 or having worked at or within a similar organisation. You should be passionate about our industry and our brand. Some personal skills you should highlight in your application include:

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

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.

A Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is desirable.

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

Things to Consider

The latest information on the Apprentice National Minimum Wage can be found at https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions.

As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, all applications are automatically anonymised by our recruitment system. This is with the aim of realising our ambition to have a workforce that is reflective of the community we serve and eliminating unconscious bias, allowing employees to be appointed based on their talent, skills, and experiences regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

English and Maths guidance from the government changed on 11/02/25. This employer wishes to support upskilling in both English and Maths by exception and as such the entry grade criteria as advertised still applies.

An assessment centre will be held at a local location, towards the end of January 2026 with work trial dates to then be confirmed following the assessment day. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. We therefore advise candidates to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Legal Notice

Equal opportunities are provided to all applicants and this is a legally binding equal opportunity statement. Applications processed by an anonymous system to ensure fairness.