Apprenticeship HGV technitian Review

Day to day I service and repair DAF trucks and trailers that are brought in by customers, this means I work with a vast amount of technology for Instance hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical components. Which gives me a good variety of knowledge. Another part of the role is maintaining a clean garage, keeping it tidy and in turn keeping your colleagues happy.

When I began the apprenticeship I didn’t have much technical knowledge when it comes to HGVs but though working and college I’ve develiped a great understanding of HGVs and how they work and what can go wrong. Ive also learned a lot to do with guided diagnostics so using the DAVIE diagnostic equipment which is very handy.

I’m always happy to do overtime as I enjoy my job and enjoy learning about the field. I also enjoy the college aspect of the training, going down to Bristol meeting loads of other students just like me who are all doing the same things in work learning off them and teaching them some skills I’ve picked up.

Very, we have a set college in Bristol which we visit for 2 weeks every six and we also have an assessor who visits us between them college blocks. On the college blocks we do a week in the workshop and a week in the classroom, we also do an assignment, an online test and 2-3 write ups in detail whilst we are there

A lot, they have supported me throughout my apprenticeship helping me to learn in a good atmosphere and learn from some of the best in the buisness. They are forever supplying me with further training that aids me in my role for instance I have just been booked onto a forklift coarse.

They visit me in between college blocks and anytime if needs be. They help me with my job cards which is the paper work and evidence side of the qualification, which provides them with the certainty that I am infact performing these tasks in my day to day role as a HGV apprentice

Greatly, it gives me a deeper understanding of how the vehicles work and what they need to function. For instance you have to learn how to diagnose faults using the three stage diagnostic sequence which is very useful and you can then use them sort of skills in the workplace

There is employment days and other events like that however I haven’t attended any as of yet. However I would very much like to as I feel it would be a very good way to give back to my company and get the new generation into the industry and enjoying it like I do

Yes

It’s a great place to work and there’s plenty of opportunities available to you. I really enjoy it there’s alwaus a good atmosphere around the workshop and in the office, i my bed from another DAF dealer to imperial and have never looked back since then really.

Knuckle down and get the task in hand done, don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen to mentors, and be ready to be asked about what you’ve just been told. It’s a great place to work but your not going to be handed the qualification on a plate, you get out what you put in.