General Information Session – Mandatory

Date: 25/6/2025

Time: 13:00

Location: South West Skills Campus – Locking Road – BS22 8NL

Lewis’s journey at Weston College has been exceptional. Starting in the Pre3 programme, he progressed to Level 1 and is now pursuing his Level 2 Automotive Certificate. His dedication, enthusiasm, and teamwork are evident in both the workshop and classroom.  

As a student representative, he contributed to improving the student experience. Now excelling in his studies, Lewis continues to develop his skills and showcase his potential as a talented automotive mechanic. 

This apprenticeship offers a hands-on pathway for individuals who are passionate about working with vehicles and want to improve their practical expertise.

This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of vehicles. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will learn essential tasks such as conducting vehicle inspections, carrying out routine maintenance procedures, identifying and resolving faults, and utilising diagnostic equipment.

With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and industry standards, apprentices will develop effective communication skills, work collaboratively in a team, and ensure the highest level of professionalism. On completion of the apprenticeship, you will be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career in the automotive industry, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and delivering exceptional service to customers.

An apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to acquire industry-specific qualifications and valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary. You’ll have the chance to work closely with experienced professionals in the property industry, meaning you’ll gain practical skills that make you highly employable and give you a head start in your career.

We pride ourselves on our strong partnerships with key local organisations. You'll become part of our Automotive Engineering Career Excellence Hub and enjoy a host of career-boosting benefits and valuable access to potential employers. Benefit from work experience opportunities, engaging trips and tours, guest lectures from industry experts, and courses designed in collaboration with employers to meet industry demands. You'll gain invaluable industry insight and create numerous networking opportunities. By the time you complete your training, you'll be fully prepared for your future career, armed with the skills and knowledge that employers value.

WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE

The course will teach a wide range of knowledge, meaning lots of dedication and hard work to reach highly rewarding career prospects. For a first-hand experience of day-to-day life in work, you will be employed by a garage or dealership and work along highly experienced tradesperson.

Skills an apprentice will learn:

• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop.

• Demonstrate due regard for own safety and that of others in the workshop and minimise risk of injury and vehicle damage.

• Carry out fundamental tasks associated with removal and replacement procedures on a vehicle.

• Obtain diagnostic and repair information.

• Interpret diagnostic information and use electrical wiring diagrams to determine system serviceability.

• Use a range of diagnostic equipment.

• Follow recognised diagnostic procedures, logical diagnostic sequence and apply advanced diagnostic principles and problem-solving techniques to establish faults.

• Report faults using company procedures and recommend suitable further actions.

• Follow recognised repair procedures to complete a wide range of repairs including those which involve complex procedures, or in-depth knowledge.

• Test the function of repaired and fitted components.

• Adhere to business processes and complete documentation following workplace procedures.

• Use ICT to create emails, word-process documents and carry out web-based searches.

• Complete a range of services and inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required quality standard for handover to the customer.

You will attend College for one day a week for support and to learn the higher technical side of your trade. This apprenticeship covers practical and theory content including the diagnosis of modern complex motor vehicle systems and their faults such as brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and inspection. You will also learn about employers’ rights and responsibilities, and we will work with you to develop your IT, English and maths skills. Your communication and customer service skills will also be developed.

 ASSESSMENT METHOD

You will be assessed through practical skills tests and workplace observations, online tests, assignments, and an e-portfolio.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Most of our apprentices are kept on by their employers after they finish their programme. This programme could also lead to you becoming a mechanic or setting up your own garage.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Five GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and maths. You will need to be in employment in the industry, but we can support you to find this.

To be an apprentice, you will need to find a suitable employer. Click here for advice: How to Apply for an Apprenticeship | Weston College

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

• Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.

• I’d like to visit and see the facilities and chat to staff – see when our next open event is here: EVENTS | Weston College

• I have a quick question – use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

The Autocare Technician apprenticeship is an ideal choice for anyone who is passionate about the automotive industry and has a keen interest in vehicle maintenance and repair. This exciting programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on training, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to excel as an autocare technician.

This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of vehicles. Throughout the course you will learn essential tasks such as conducting vehicle inspections, carrying out routine maintenance procedures, identifying and resolving faults, and utilising diagnostic equipment.

On completion of the course, you will be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career in the automotive industry, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and delivering exceptional service to customers.

I've always enjoyed working on cars, which made this course a natural choice for me. The highlight for me is the practical work – the equipment is highly relevant to the motor vehicle industry and the modern workshops and tools provided us with a realistic experience essential for our future careers.

Throughout the course, we had the opportunity to meet employers from various companies, including Bakers Dolphin, and enjoyed trips to Haynes Motor Museum and the Motor Show at Birmingham NEC.

Whenever I had difficulty with a task, I knew that I could ask any lecturer for support as I trusted them and I know they are all very knowledgeable