Job title: Apprentice Motor Vehicle Technician
Salary: B1 £24,404 - £25,183
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Apprenticeship
Location: Torre Road Depot (LS9 7QQ) and Castleford College (WF10 4UA)
As an Apprentice Motor Vehicle Technician you’ll learn all aspects of vehicle repairs and maintenance, working on our really varied vehicle fleet; from small cars up to heavy goods vehicles.
You will learn all about the different needs that each vehicle has and be able to support these.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an Apprentice Motor Vehicle Technician, you will bring to the role:
- the ability to work 37 hours per week, based both at the Fleet Depot and attending college as required by the course within your Monday to Friday work pattern
- the willingness to undertake and pass a Maths and English test at college as part of the application and be committed to completing your apprenticeship
- a Category B vehicle driving licence (or the willingness to work towards this)
- some understanding and knowledge of motor vehicles and maintenance
- good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team
- a level of physical ability required to perform in the role
About the role
As our next Apprentice Motor Vehicle Technician you’ll be happy to work hands on in this manual role. There is a significant amount of bending and lifting which can make this job physically demanding.
You’ll love finding and fixing a problem when it comes to vehicle repairs and be a well motivated person.
The role is integral to our Fleet Services team within Leeds City Council. We have a team of around 70 staff who are responsible for the maintenance and management of our mixed vehicle fleet of around 1200 vehicles. In addition to the 3 apprentices that we are taking on, we have a team of 26 Vehicle Technicians, many of whom joined us as apprentices originally. Much of our work is to ensure we remain compliant with the Operator’s Licence which governs the Large and Heavy Goods Vehicles that we run.
Key tasks for apprentices will include:
- learning about different vehicle types and the responsibilities and schedule that Fleet Services work to to inspect, maintain and repair our varied vehicle fleet
- working on vehicles to be able to accurately identify and effectively repair issues identified
- undertaking routine vehicle assessment and maintenance in line with our schedule of work for the relevant vehicle
- completing required documentation to track issues and remedial work undertaken
- undertaking manufacturing, welding and diagnostic training which will be service led
- shadowing a qualified Vehicle Maintenance Technician to develop your skills and knowledge in relation to vehicle repairs and maintenance.
The successful completion of this apprenticeship will mean that you are qualified as a Vehicle Technician and will hold Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship qualification.
Required qualifications
GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths & English at level 2 or grade 4/C or above are desirable. Candidates who do not hold these will be required to undertake Level 2 Functional Skills during their apprenticeship programme.
Expected progression after completion of apprenticeship
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
We have reintroduced the apprenticeship within Fleet Services as a way to provide an entry pathway into a career within vehicle maintenance.
Leeds City Council are working with Heart of Yorkshire College for these Apprentice positions. Your data will be shared with them to support shortlisting, screening and the recruitment process as a whole.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact us on liz.roarty@leeds.gov.uk / carl.brook@leeds.gov.uk and we will arrange a time and date for an informal briefing.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose:
To assist and learn in all areas of fleet services including inspection, service, repair and maintenance of the Council’s fleet of light commercial, heavy goods and specialist municipal vehicles in accordance with statutory regulations and Council policy
To carry out all practical, technical and administrative duties related to vehicle maintenance.
To undertake Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service Maintenance Technician apprenticeship at Castleford College
Responsibilities for Grade:
- To learn during the course of the apprenticeship all aspects of vehicle maintenance including inspection, service, repair, maintain and diagnose faults on the full range of vehicles operated and managed by Leeds City Council in line with expected timelines.
- To undertake a 3½ year apprenticeship with Leeds City Council, Fleet Services.
- To undertake and pass a 3 year Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service Maintenance Technician apprenticeship at Castleford College, including your own travel to and from Castleford College, this will involve day and block release.
- To develop from the apprentice starter tool box an on site suitable personal toolbox and tool selection to undertake the inspection, service, repair, maintenance and diagnostics on the full range of vehicles operated by Leeds City Council.
- To undertake all computer and paperwork required throughout apprenticeship at college, workplace and home to keep up with all learning requirements
- To learn how to accurately identify parts required and work with stores to ensure the correct part is purchased in a cost effective and timely manner.
- To learn how to carry out accurate fault diagnosis of vehicle and specialist equipment defects.
- The correct use and care of specialist tools provided for repair and maintenance purposes.
- To undertake vehicle repair work onsite or roadside as required.
- Ensure all work areas are kept clean and safe, carry out work area cleaning both pre and post repairs.
- Reporting of and repair of defects revealed or observed during any repair process, including any instance
- where preventive work would be appropriate.
- Completion of all current and future job related documentation required, including using and inputting data to current and future computer systems both fixed and mobile.
- To carry out all work in a safe manner, observing all relevant safety procedures, including “on site” work where directed.
- Attendance at any relevant computer, product or other training courses as directed to ensure capability to inspect, repair, fault diagnose and service the Council’s fleet of vehicle’s and to ensure the ability to use computer systems as required by the Fleet Maintenance operation.
- To comply with at all times all requirements in relation to the use of GPS mobile workshop vehicles.
- Ensuring compliance with safety inspection regime for vehicle maintenance.
- To ensure compliance of all relevant Health and Safety, Environmental and DVSA procedures and requirements.
- To carry out all tasks in compliance with the authorities operator licence with regards to vehicle maintenance.
- Ensure all work related documentation is correctly completed and authorised.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with all pandemic and sickness requirements.
- Use IT technology to deliver an efficient and effective fleet maintenance service.
- Create good working relationships with managers and staff to ensure satisfactory service provision.
- To contribute to continuous service improvements and to contribute to improvements within the department and the Authority.
- To participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
- To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
- Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the requirements.
- Ability to work 37 hours per week Monday to Friday
- Undertake and pass a Maths and English test at college as part of application
- Hold or work towards a Cat B car licence
- Understanding and knowledge of motor vehicles and maintenance
- Able to work as part of a team
- Able to communicate with a wide range of people
- Able to understand instruction
- Able to bend, kneel and lift
Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics
Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.