Halfords Southend - Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

Inspiro Learning; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive training provider in the UK is looking for dedicated individuals to join their Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprenticeship program. This position offers comprehensive training, a dedicated mentor, and opportunities to work with a variety of engines. Ideal candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a keen interest in vehicle engineering. Participants will receive qualifications such as Level 2 in Autocare and gain valuable workplace experience. Explore a rewarding automotive career with excellent growth potential.

Benefits

Block release training

Full toolkit provided

Mentorship during apprenticeship

Opportunity for permanent role

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths is required.
• Experience in the motor industry at Level 1 or similar is beneficial.
• Passionate about the automobile industry.

Responsibilities

• Identify vehicle faults using diagnostic equipment.
• Test parts and systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Complete paperwork accurately and legibly.
• Maintain a clean work environment.

Skills

Logic and problem solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Strong communication

Customer service

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Interest in vehicle engineering

Education

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

Scottish National 5 Grades A - C in English and Maths

Level 1 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (desirable)

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Automotive Refrigerant Handling Certificate

Job description

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.

Every day is different within the Service department. As a Autocare Technician/Mechanic apprentice, some of your duties will include:

• 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.

You will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of products including traditional, hybrid and electronic engines. From heritage vehicles to leading edge modern technology, our range will provide you with a varied technical training experience to build your skills as a Autocare Technician/Mechanic.

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 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.

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 you will have the opportunity 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.
• In 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. You should be someone who pays attention to detail and is 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 of the personal skills that you should think about showing us in your application are:

• 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.