TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- Undertake an apprenticeship to become a qualified Auto Technician at Halfords Autocentres.
- Learn to diagnose and repair a wide variety of vehicles, gaining practical skills and knowledge.
- Work a 5-day week (40-44 hours) with one day of college release.
- Receive 30-33 days holiday, generous colleague discounts, life assurance, and pension benefits.
About the Role
An apprentice in one of the 600+ Halfords Autocentres is unlike anything you will find in a traditional service business. Within our Autocentres no two days are ever the same. You can expect to encounter almost any make or model of car for almost every piece of work you can think of; from servicing, inspections to the more complex repair work, engine rebuilds and diagnostics work.
What You'll Do
- Adaptable, flexible and enjoys the challenge of resolving new problems every day.
- Customer focused with sharp attention to detail.
- Listen to and learn from college lecturers, colleagues and mentors to gain the skills to diagnose and repair vehicles to the highest standard.
- The nature of the work ranges from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment.
- Demonstrate expertise in the technical and diagnostic side of their role.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a good grasp of the theoretical and practical aspects of a vehicle’s systems.
- Work independently but also operate as an effective team member.
- Understand how their workshop and the Autocentre functions from a commercial perspective.
Working Hours
- Autocentre Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (6/7 days per week).
- 5-day working week, including 1 day at college (day release).
- Total hours per week: 40 for those up to 18, and 44 for those over 18.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday rising to 33 days.
- Constant variety of vehicles to work on.
- Variety of career development opportunities.
- Life assurance.
- Discount high street shopping scheme.
- Generous colleague discount scheme.
- Pension.
What You'll Learn
During the course of the programme, apprentices will gain the knowledge and skills required to become competent technicians. Topics covered include workplace safety, engineering skills, vehicle inspection and servicing, maintenance, repair, and diagnosing faults around the engine, chassis, and electrical systems.
Qualifications & Skills Required
Qualifications:
- GCSEs in Maths and English at Grade C or above (or equivalents).
Desired Skills & Qualities:
- Friendly, helpful, team-orientated person with a strong desire to build a career as an Auto Vehicle Technician.
- Interest in cars and solving problems.
- Able to use hands and have a strong, fit attitude to work due to the manual work involved.
- Knowledge of motor vehicle maintenance.
- Enjoys working and fixing problems with cars.
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages.
- Enjoy the practical application of knowledge and skills.
- Interested in how vehicles operate and the potential to research, analyse and solve problems.
- Organised, methodical and pays attention to detail.
- Able to work in a team and communicate well both orally and in writing.
- Cares about delivering excellent service – both internally and externally to colleagues and customers.
- Able to demonstrate general analytical and mechanical skills.
- Flexibility and willingness to learn.
- Adaptable, flexible and enjoys the challenge of resolving new problems every day.
- Customer focused with sharp attention to detail.
- Able to listen and learn from college lecturers, colleagues and mentors.