Level 3
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance, Apprenticeship
Level 3
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance, Apprenticeship
The Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Apprenticeship is the perfect way to kick start your career in the automotive industry. This programme is ideal for anyone passionate about vehicles, combining hands-on experience with industry-recognised qualifications to give you the skills and knowledge employers value. You’ll gain practical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and workplace experience, preparing you for roles in garages, dealerships, fleet services, or auto-care centres.
Course Overview
The Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Apprenticeship is designed for learners with prior experience or a Level 2 qualification, providing advanced technical skills and in-depth knowledge of vehicle systems. You will combine on-the-job training with guided study at Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.
You will work on a wide range of vehicles, including cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles, developing expertise in complex diagnostics, servicing, and repair. Tasks include advanced inspections, routine maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repairs across engine systems, transmissions, braking, steering, suspension, electrical and hybrid/electric vehicle systems, and air conditioning. You will also use specialist measuring instruments, diagnostic equipment, and workshop tools, developing confidence and precision in a professional environment.
At Weston, you will train in state-of-the-art workshops, including hybrid and electric vehicle bays, commercial vehicle workshops, and industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment. Expert tutors will guide both practical and theory sessions, while trips to automotive factories, motorsport events, and guest lectures enhance your knowledge of current technologies and industry best practices.
As a Level 3 student, you will automatically join the Engineering Career Excellence Hub, giving you access to employer networking, career-boosting activities, and additional trips and guest lectures. Completion of this apprenticeship also prepares you for IMI accreditation, recognised by employers across the UK.
By the end of the programme, you will have developed the technical competence, professional skills, and industry experience required to progress into senior technician roles, supervisory positions, higher apprenticeships, or higher education pathways within the automotive sector.
What will I study?
As a successful apprentice, you will:
Maintain a safe and efficient workshop, following health and safety procedures.
Carry out removal, replacement, and repair tasks on vehicles, including complex systems.
Diagnose faults using electrical wiring diagrams, diagnostic equipment, and logical problem-solving techniques.
Test and verify repaired components to ensure proper function.
Complete services, inspections, and prepare vehicles to quality standards for handover.
Follow workplace procedures, business processes, and maintain accurate documentation.
Use ICT for emails, documents, and research.
Develop communication, customer service, and team-working skills.
Attend college one day per week to learn higher-level theory, including complex vehicle systems, employer rights, and improve IT, English, and maths skills.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is a combination of:
Practical observation in the workplace
Project work demonstrating technical knowledge
Online knowledge tests
A portfolio of evidence showing skills and competency
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
Hands-on experience in modern, industry-standard workshops
Work with hybrid and electric vehicle technologies
Trips to automotive factories, motorsport events, and training centres
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
You must wear the required PPE during practical sessions, including work boots, work trousers, and a polo shirt. These can be purchased before starting or covered by bursary support where applicable.
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.
- Interest in vehicles and mechanical work is essential
What can I do after this course?
Completion of the apprenticeship can lead to further progression to:
- Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance courses
- Higher apprenticeships in automotive technology
- Permanent roles in the automotive industry
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
Full Fee: £0.00 ?
Supported Fee: £0.00
Most people qualify for FREE tuition and material fees due to discounts we offer. Click on the icon(s) below to find out what you’ll need to pay.
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