Level(s): Level 2
Duration: 22 months
Location: City Centre, Dumballs Road and Workplace
About the Course:
This Level 2 apprenticeship is the foundation programme for the automotive sector in Wales. It prepares apprentices for entry level technician roles across light and heavy vehicle specialisms.
It develops learners into Service Technicians, providing a clear progression route into the Level 3 apprenticeship.
Routes:
Occupational Competence Qualification (VCQ or NVQ based)
• Servicing vehicles
• Performing routine maintenance
• Removing and replacing components
• Basic diagnostics and fault finding
• Health and safety and workshop practices
Technical Knowledge Qualification (VRQ), covering:
• Engine systems
• Electrical and electronic systems
• Chassis, brakes, steering and suspension
• Fuel and ignition systems
• Legislation and safe working practices
Apprentices will also develop skills in:
• Routine servicing
• Basic diagnostics
• Vehicle inspections
• Safe workshop practices
• Customer care and professional behaviour
• Essential Communication Skills Level 2
• Essential Application of Number Skills Level 2
• Essential Digital Literacy Skills Level 2
Applicable if proxies are not available
Entry Requirements:
Maths and Science GCSEs grade G or above (or equivalent qualifications)
Important Points:
You must be: Employed for 16 hours or more each week in a suitable role
You must be: Living in Wales or Working 51% of your contract in Wales
You must be: Aged 16 or over
Level(s): Level 3
Duration: 18 months
Location: City Centre, Dumballs Road and Workplace
About the Course:
The Level 3 apprenticeship is the full Apprenticeship for Vehicle Maintenance & Repair in Wales. It prepares apprentices for Diagnostic Technician / Advanced Technician roles across the automotive sector. The official Welsh framework includes the following Level 3 pathways:
• Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
• Heavy Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
These build on the foundational skills learned at Level 2 and progress the apprentice into diagnostic and more complex technical responsibilities.
Routes:
Occupational Competence Qualification (VCQ or NVQ based), covering:
• Complex diagnostics and testing
• Advanced fault finding
• Repairing major systems and components
• Use of diagnostic tools and equipment
• Compliance with industry and safety standards
Technical Knowledge Qualification (VRQ), covering:
• Engine, transmission and drivetrain systems
• Advanced electrical and electronic systems
• Chassis dynamics and braking systems
• Emissions and hybrid systems
• Vehicle communication networks
• Diagnostic principles
• Essential Communication Skills Level 2
• Essential Application of Number Skills Level 2
• Essential Digital Literacy Skills Level 2
Applicable if proxies are not available
Entry Requirements:
It is recommended that learners have English, Maths and Science GCSEs grade C or above (or equivalent), although this is not essential
Important Points:
You must be: Employed for 16 hours or more each week in a suitable role
You must be: Living in Wales or Working 51% of your contract in Wales
You must be: Aged 16 or over
Level(s): Level 2
Duration: 22 months
Location: City Centre, Dumballs Road and Workplace
About the Course:
This Level 2 apprenticeship develops the foundation skills required for roles in accident repair, body repair, and vehicle refinishing (paint). Learners typically specialise in either Body Repair or Paint Principles at Level 2. Training providers in Wales offer the following two routes at Level 2:
A. Vehicle Accident Repair – Body Principles
B. Vehicle Accident Repair – Paint Principles
Offered as part of Level 2 accident repair provision in Wales, allowing apprentices to focus on refinishing work.
Both specialisms align with the Accident & Repair apprenticeship pathway used in the Welsh sector.
Routes:
Occupational Competence Qualification (VCQ or NVQ), covering:
For Body Repair:
• Removing and refitting panels
• Carrying out minor repairs
• MAG welding
• Body alignment
• Working with mechanical, electrical and trim components
For Paint:
• Panel preparation
• Masking, priming and paint application
• Colour matching
• Refinishing processes
Technical Knowledge Qualification (VRQ):
• IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Body Principles
• IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles
• Essential Communication Skills Level 2
• Essential Application of Number Skills Level 2
• Essential Digital Literacy Skills Level 2
Applicable if proxies are not available
Entry Requirements:
Maths and Science GCSEs grade G or above (or equivalent qualifications)
Important Points:
You must be: Employed for 16 hours or more each week in a suitable role
You must be: Living in Wales or Working 51% of your contract in Wales
You must be: Aged 16 or over
Level(s): Level 3
Duration: 18 months
Location: City Centre, Dumballs Road and Workplace
About the Course:
This Level 3 apprenticeship prepares learners to operate as skilled Body Repair Technicians, Paint Refinishing Technicians, or multi skilled Accident Repair Technicians. It expands on Level 2 skills by introducing complex refinishing, advanced body repair processes, and MET (Mechanical, Electrical & Trim) activities. Level 3 apprentices typically specialise in one of:
A. Vehicle Accident Repair – Body (Level 3)
For advanced structural, cosmetic, and MET related repairs.
B. Vehicle Accident Repair – Paint (Refinishing) (Level 3)
For advanced refinishing, colour theory, blending, and multi stage paint systems.
Apprentices will study:
Body Repair Technician (Level 3):
Major structural damage repair
Panel fabrication and advanced straightening
High strength steel & modern materials
Advanced welding (MAG, MIG braze, spot weld testing)
MET components (airbags, sensors, electrical trim)
Repair planning & estimation processes (industry aligned)
Paint Refinishing Technician (Level 3):
Advanced refinishing systems
Plastic refinishing
Multi-layer systems (base/clear/pearl)
Colour theory (tri-coats, effect pigments)
Paint rectification and high-end finishing
Refinishing complex panels and blended areas
Routes:
Level 3 Competence Qualification (VCQ or NVQ)
Technical Knowledge Qualification (VRQ)
For Body Repair:
• Structural repairs and alignment
• Advanced MET operations
• Welding and bonding
• Repair strategies
For Paint:
• Surface preparation
• Multi stage paint application
• Advanced colour matching
• Paint finishing techniques
• Essential Communication Skills Level 2
• Essential Application of Number Skills Level 2
• Essential Digital Literacy Skills Level 2
Applicable if proxies are not available
Entry Requirements:
It is recommended that learners have English, Maths and Science GCSEs grade C or above (or equivalent), although this is not essential.
Important Points:
You must be: Employed for 16 hours or more each week in a suitable role
You must be: Living in Wales or Working 51% of your contract in Wales
You must be: Aged 16 or over
For more information on how to secure an Apprenticeship, click here.