Apprentice Technician Review

As an apprentice technician at Hyundai Leeds, my role is to be taught how to fix, maintain and diagnose faults on light vehicles. My day to day basis is ensuring that the service department achieves completion by the end of the working day/week to hit our dealership targets. I work on my own ramp alongside my mentor who checks over everything, this can include anything from a Pre-delivery inspection vehicle to anything such as a service on a customer vehicle. I also carry out other tasks to help other departments if needed.

I have learnt a lot from my mentor and also other technicians, this includes basic and complex services, fitting and removal of tyres and also many other skills with diagnostics. Skills that I have developed are customer service skills when helping with customer complaints and vehicle repair comebacks. Another skill that I have developed on is around Health and Safety in the workplace, by taking a small training session on this subject to improve my knowledge.

I enjoy being at work every day and seeking new challenges. I also enjoy the training programme that has been set in place down Nottingham away from work. The time given at the training centre is valuable so I can develop and learn about new car systems and not having to worry about jobs at work.

The training programme in Nottingham is structured very well with teaching sessions about vehicles, the quality of the training material such as PowerPoint slides, handouts and physical components is outstanding. Every couple of months I will have my personal trainer that meets at my dealership for a one to one meeting that makes sure everything is ok at work.

My employer supports me by ensuring that my work is checked and marked by my assigned mentor to ensure the criteria asked for is correct. I receive feedback meetings from my leader and dealer principle on my progress and time within the dealership. My employer ensures that all my safety/training records are marked down for mandatory training.

I have been given extra materials/resources to bring away from training that help me for a few examples I have had maths books lent to me to help train on the areas I need improving to pass the maths qualification. The mechanical side of the training programme has provided me with online documents from IMI (Institute of the Motor industry) to log my progress and upload my evidence to complete my qualification.

My training provider gives me the materials to develop in mechanical areas. When I have returned from a training session and go back to work I am able to understand more about the vehicle components in greater depth such as a gearbox and how it works and how to diagnose faults.

There are very few social events that take place such as bowling or going out for a meal which will be arranged by my leader. One main event is the Christmas pub meal at a local pub. Other activities will be arranged by my leader when the whole team gets together and gives ideas on what we can all do in the upcoming months for summer.

Yes

Pendragon offers great career paths and oppertunities for people. Pendragon also provides events and competitions. There are also discounts given from other companies for eating, drinking and shopping. Pendragon has always looked after me as an apprentice and has provided everything that I require such as training materials and overtime to be able to work towards getting my qualification and making it possible.

Tips would be to have a smart dress code and a positive attitude. Always be on time for work and respect everyone in the workplace including customers. First part of advice is to make sure that you choose the right career path. Pendragon also pay for your in-house education so you can develop yourself further so don't be afraid at any costs for most roles.