Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician

Why choose this apprenticeship?

Heavy Vehicle Technicians help keep commercial vehicles safe, reliable and compliant. Their work reduces breakdowns, improves fleet uptime, increases workshop productivity and supports customer satisfaction. Employers benefit by developing skilled technicians with strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills, reducing recruitment needs and preparing for new vehicle technologies and industry regulations.

Who is it for?

Heavy vehicle technicians in dealerships, independent garages, fleet operators and transport organisations working on category N2/N3 vehicles and trailers.

What is taught?

• The skills and knowledge to inspect, service, diagnose and repair heavy vehicles, trailers and their systems.
• This includes engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical systems, safety procedures, workshop practices, legislation and customer service.

Delivery model

• Combines workplace learning with day-release college attendance.
• The apprenticeship is a mix of on-the-job training, workplace assessments, workshop activities and employer mentoring.
• All training is planned around the organisation needs, allowing apprentices to gain valuable experience that can be applied to the workplace.

Employer considerations

• An experienced supervisor or mentor will need to be assigned to the apprentice.
• Participation in regular progress reviews.
• Time away from day to day duties to attend college sessions.

What happens next?

Successful apprentices can progress into roles such as Senior Technician, Diagnostic Technician, Workshop Controller, Workshop Manager, Fleet Engineer, MOT Tester, IRTEC Inspector, or Technical Trainer. There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as advanced diagnostics, electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, fleet management, and engineering leadership.

Why choose Gateshead College?

This apprenticeship is delivered in industry-standard workshops equipped with modern diagnostic, braking, suspension, electrical and testing equipment. Training is provided by experienced industry specialists with up-to-date knowledge of commercial vehicle technologies and regulations.

Strong partnerships with fleet operators, dealerships, manufacturers, and transport companies ensures training meets industry needs and is relevant.