Autocare Technician Apprenticeship (ST0499, version 1.3)
This apprenticeship equips technicians to deliver and support a range of services and repairs on cars, car-derived vans and light goods vehicles within “fast-fit” or autocare environments.
Level 2
Duration30 months (plus End-Point Assessment)
Programme Overview
This apprenticeship equips technicians to deliver and support a range of services and repairs on cars, car-derived vans and light goods vehicles within “fast-fit” or autocare environments. Apprentices develop technical skills in vehicle systems (e.g., steering, suspension, braking, batteries, tyres), use diagnostic tools, and combine these with customer-facing and retail skills to deliver value to both the business and its customers.
Technicians contribute to business performance through quality service, minimising downtime, efficient part usage and excellent customer experience, in line with modern vehicle technology including hybrid and electric systems.
Who This Programme Is For
- Individuals entering automotive repair, service or fast-fit centres
- Employers seeking multi-skilled technicians who combine technical competence and customer service awareness
- Apprentices motivated by hands-on diagnostics, repair work and vehicle servicing
- Businesses looking to develop their workforce in light vehicle service, tyre, battery, exhaust, braking, suspension and other fast-fit functional areas
What Apprentices Will Learn
Technical Systems & Diagnostics
- Vehicle systems: steering, suspension, braking, battery/charging, exhaust, tyres, electric/hybrid safe practices
- Use of diagnostic tools and measuring equipment to inspect, test and verify vehicle systems
- Carrying out inspections, maintenance and component replacement to meet manufacturer and safety standards
Customer Service & Retail Skills
- Interacting with customers: identifying vehicle and service needs, presenting solutions, handling objections, closing service sales
- Understanding business operations: stock control, part ordering, service scheduling, commercial awareness
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Compliance with health & safety legislation, waste/disposal, environmental considerations
- Safe working practices related to vehicle systems and electronics (including electric/hybrid vehicles)
- Understanding regulatory and consumer legislation affecting the industry
Professional Behaviours & Teamwork
- Time-management, reliability, working under supervision and within a team
- Planning own workload, adapting to varying task demands, working independently when required
- Maintaining a professional image and communication standards with colleagues and customers
Key Skills Developed
- Technical competence across vehicle service/repair systems
- Diagnostic and measurement skills
- Customer communication and service solution skills
- Quality check and verification skills
- Safe working practices, professional behaviours and teamwork
- Commercial awareness and part/service process knowledge
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Gateway Requirements:
- Employer and training provider confirm the apprentice is ready in terms of knowledge, skills and behaviours
- English & Maths Level 2 achieved (if required)
- Portfolio of evidence complete
EPA Components:
- Practical Activity (Vehicle Health Check & Report Task)— the apprentice carries out a vehicle inspection, produces a report and is assessed on capability
- Professional Discussion supported by Portfolio— structured discussion around the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence covering the standard’s requirements
Grading:
Pass or Distinction
Entry Requirements
- Suitable employment or apprenticeship role in an automotive services/fast-fit environment
- Employer support with appropriate tasks, supervision and mentor
- Motivated, organised, with good communication and problem-solving skills
- Basic English & Maths (or willingness to achieve the required level)
Career Progression
On completion, apprentices can pursue roles such as:
- Autocare Technician
- Vehicle Service Technician (Light Vehicle)
- Fast-Fit Service Operative
- Maintenance Technician (Automotive)
Further progression may lead to:
- Level 3 Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship
- Specialised roles in tyres, batteries, electric/hybrid vehicles
- Team Leader or Service Advisor roles
Funding Information (Standardised ESTAR Format)
Funding Band
This apprenticeship is funded up to the maximum band set by the Department for Education: £12,000.
Funding Information
- Levy-paying employers:The full cost can be funded through your apprenticeship levy.
- Non-levy employers:You contribute 5% of the training cost, and the government funds 95%.
- Small businesses (under 50 employees):If the apprentice is 16–21, the government funds 100% of the training cost with £0 employer contribution.
- Additional supportmay be available for apprentices with learning difficulties or care-leaver status.
- There are no hidden costs.
Delivery Model (ESTAR Approach)
- Blended delivery combining workplace training, on-the-job tasks and structured off-the-job learning
- Monthly progress reviews with an automotive sector specialist tutor and employer mentor
- Real-work service tasks aligned with the standard (inspection, repair, customer interaction)
- Portfolio building across the programme: evidence of technical work, diagnostics, customer service outcomes
- Typical duration: 30 months to gateway, plus time for end-point assessment
- Preparation for EPA throughout and culminating at gateway