Commercial Vehicle Technician Apprentice Review

Mainly carrying out routine inspections and maintenance tasks on customers vehicles such as safety inspections and servicing (oil/filter change), Performing more simple repair tasks on my own, such as brake pads, and occasionally working with a colleague on a more complex diagnostic task such as diagnosing a warning light or wiring fault. I also quite often carry out recall work or warranty work for the manufacturer, and should they need it, I also help colleagues on the job they are doing.

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt lots of new skills and also developed existing ones as well. Before starting I had a very basic knowlege of light vehicle technologies but since then I have learnt about many heavy vehicle systems, and puts these skills into practise by carrying out repairs on said systems. I have been able to further develop my knowlege of light vehicle systems when occasionally working of vans. College has taught me a lot of theory, which I can then put into practise in the workplace.

When first beginning the programme, I couldn't carry out any tasks on my own so I was constrained to just watching my colleagues carry out the tasks. I did not enjoy this so much but understand this is how most apprenticeships start. Over the past 2 years I have learnt how to carry out many tasks on my own and this in turn gives me a good sense of acheivement on completion of these tasks, and makes me feel like I have made a difference.

In the first 2 years of my apprenticeship, college visits were 2 weeks at a time and were regular during the academic years, but in the last year during the pandemic it has, understandably, been quite unorganised. I was furloughed for 3 months last year and I was sent 3-4 emails by my training provider each asking me to login to a different online learning environment and complete different tasks, which recently I have had to go back and complete again due to the work not saving correctly. I was also sent work in the post to complete by hand and post back to the training provider. I feel this could have all been consolidated to 1 or 2 online learning environments and the instructions much more clear.

While i do not have a mentor to work with in the workshop, I feel as though I can ask any of my colleagues for help or support, should I need it while carrying out a task and they would try to help me or if they can't, point me in the right direction as to who I should speak to. Colleagues are also often willing to lend me tools that I do not yet have.

Before the pandemic, my skillnet coach visited me every few months in the workplace to discuss my progress and any concerns that I may have had, and to witness me working in the workshop. In the past year I have had regular phone calls for the same purpose, and also occasional visits to observe me in the workshop. My skillnet coach always keeps me up to date on what work i have to complete and when it should be completed by.

Due to the nature of the learning environment at my college, I have not been able to do as much practical learing at the college, however I learn lots of theory when attending college and then I can put this theory that I have learnt into practise when I return to my workplace. The qualification helps make sure that I cover all subjects of the course including some that I may not have come across in the workplace.

Occasionally there are social events such as bowling arranged for the entire company, and also if someone is leaving or has been working there for 50 years for example, we often have a barbeque, again arranged for everyone to attend. These are paid for entirely by the company. Due to the current circumstances we haven't had any of these events in the past year but I have not doubt that these will continue in the future.

Yes

They are one of the best employers in this sector, and are the biggest employer of DAF apprentices. They have a large dealer network around the country which gives you the oppurtunity to move with the business, should you want to. The course is often regarded as one of the best in this industry and there are lots of oppurtunities to progress through the business, should you want to, or stay in your current role and progress up to level 4 qualifications.

First of all, answer all questions honestly in the application process, regardless of the answer, and when in the interview show a genuine interest in the subject. Be respectful to all colleauges when on work experience and don't ever turn down an oppurtunity to learn something new. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as this often shows your interest, and helps show the employer and colleagues that you are the right candidate for the course.