Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Level 3

Do you have a passion for vehicle engineering and an interest in the commercial vehicle sector? If so, you can kick-start your career and earn while gaining a meaningful qualification with an awarding winning Commercial Vehicle Mercedes Benz dealership.

Sparshatt Truck & Van Ltd has been synonymous with Mercedes-Benz in Kent for 40 years. Today the group operates four well-established sales and service sites across the county, employing over 200 people.

We value all those who work with us and continue to ensure we train and retain talented people, without whom, we simply would not be the success we are today.

The apprenticeship

To ensure we develop our apprentices to be the best they can be, we have created the Sparshatt Training Academy. Underpinned by our values of trusted, expert and excellence, as an apprentice with us, you will receive a high-quality learning experience while you work alongside a dedicated highly qualified Mercedes Benz Technician as your mentor. Working on the latest automotive technology with up-to-date tools and equipment, you will be gaining the skills and knowledge that will cement your future career as a Mercedes Benz Heavy Vehicle Technician.

Programme Delivery:

The apprenticeship typically takes four years to attain the required level of competence, although it may be sooner if an individual already has significant training and practical experience. Following completion of the End Point Assessment at the end of year 3, the apprentice will then move onto the ‘Improver Year’ to embed their new skills into the workplace.

The off the job training will take place at our Sparshatt Training Academy (Dartford) one day week – supplemented by ongoing mentoring and training support while in the workshop.

The awarding body for the Sparshatt Training Academy is the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Skills and personal qualities:

In addition to the qualifications required to become an apprentice, we also look for the following key behaviors:

Willingness to learn: You will demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning by seeking out opportunities to increase understanding, listening to feedback and applying new skills. 

Working with others: As an apprentice, you need to positively contribute to activities, communicate effectively and respect the views of others. 

Motivation for the role: We want you to show an interest in how things work and an enjoyment of practical activities. It is important for you to demonstrate an understanding of what is involved in an apprenticeship and take full responsibility for your learning and progression.

Personal responsibility and resilience: You will need to be accountable and responsible for your work, maintain a positive approach when faced with problems and be persistent in your approach to get things done.

Entry Requirements

Age: 17+

Prior Attainment: GCSE grades A – C (new grades 9 – 4) or equivalent in English, 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)

As our apprentice, you will receive the following benefits

• Access to our new in-house gym – free of charge based on site at the Training Academy (Dartford)
• 0% interest free loans to help fund tools and a toolbox
• 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Access to the cycle to work scheme
• Health cashback plan with access to 24/7 wellbeing support via Simply Health
• The opportunity to develop a career with one of the leading brands worldwide.
• Enrichment days – being part of our Rally Cross Team

Important information

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £4.30 per hour. This applies to 16-18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For all other apprentices the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies.

The Wage for apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training.

Future career path

Following completion of your apprenticeship – we hope to offer you a permanent position with us as a Heavy Vehicle Technician and will continue to support your learning as you progress through the Mercedes Benz technician pathway from maintenance through to diagnostic levels. You may also have an opportunity to apply to the Technical Specialist Fast Stream programme, designed for those apprentices who excel.

Location and number of apprenticeship opportunities:

• Dartford, DA1 4NQ              2 opportunities
• Sittingbourne, ME10 3RN   2 opportunities
• Ashford, TN23 4TU               1 opportunity
• Tonbridge, TN9 1PP             1 opportunity

Application process:

Submit a CV together with a letter setting out why you are interested in becoming one of our apprentices via our Sparshattgroup.com website.

Selection process

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a selection day that will include a short interview and assessments to assess your current skill and knowledge level.   If you are successful, you will then be invited to attend a two-week work experience placement. If the work experience goes well and we see all the right behaviours, you will be offered the opportunity to be one of our apprentices.  We will look for you to commence employment from December, at the latest, and will then join the Sparshatt Training Academy from January 2022.

Sparshatt Truck and Van Ltd are committed to continuing its policy of equality in all aspects of employment and service delivery.