Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Technician

Truck and Bus Wales & West (Volvo)

Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet

Closes in 30 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 1 May 2026

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Summary

Start your career with Truck and Bus Wales & West (Volvo). As an Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Technician, you will gain hands-on experience maintaining and repairing heavy vehicles while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in the automotive industry.

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary is age-dependent and aligned to current National Minimum Wage rates.

Later in the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to move onto shift patterns in line with business needs.

Training course
Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:30 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • You will gain hands-on experience while developing the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, working alongside experienced technicians in a busy workshop environment
  • Carry out servicing, maintenance and repair of heavy vehicles
  • Work on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Assist with diagnostics, fault finding and repairs
  • Complete service records, inspection sheets and defect reports
  • Prepare vehicles and trailers for MOT testing to a high standard
  • Use tools, plant and workshop equipment safely and effectively
  • Maintain high housekeeping and health & safety standards

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Unit 2, The Polden Business Centre, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4AW
  • Unit 2 Leighton Business Park, Haygrove Lane, Wanstrow, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4FX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED

Training course

Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Carry out the basic tasks with tools and equipment common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical procedures related to HV
  • The ability to keep updated with emerging new technologies within the HV industry.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to the company and legislative processes.
  • Access specific and related HV technical information appropriately.
  • The ability to service, inspect and maintain HVs and trailers to meet company, Driver and vehicle standards agency (DVSA) and manufacturers’ standards.
  • Use a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HV’s.
  • Successfully inspect and prepare vehicles and trailers to meet DVSA standards prescribed in the tester’s manual.
  • Carry out final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision.
  • Apply advanced diagnostic principles and logical/problem solving techniques and regimes.
  • Maintain records to company and operators’ licence obligations and regulation.
  • To be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written mediums both internally and with customers on a range of topics that will support, HV inspection and diagnosing techniques.

Training schedule

S&B Automotive Academy is a specialist automotive apprenticeship training provider based in Bedminster, Bristol.

As part of this apprenticeship, you will gain practical experience in the workplace while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician standard.

Throughout the programme, you will attend training in Bristol for 7 separate one-week blocks per year (Monday to Friday), alongside your workplace learning.

You will be supported by:

  • A workplace mentor
  • An S&B Development Coach
  • An electronic logbook to track your progress
  • You will complete Gateway Assessments throughout the programme, progressing towards your final End-Point Assessment (EPA)

More training information

When attending block training at S&B Automotive Academy in Bristol, if you live too far to travel each day:

  • S&B is located near Bristol Temple Meads railway station and the M32
  • Travel and accommodation are covered by your employer (if required, arranged and approved with S&B Automotive Academy)
  • You will stay in a hotel (single occupancy), with breakfast and an evening meal provided during training blocks

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C/Functional Skill Level 2)
  • Maths (grade 4/C/Functional Skill Level 2)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Closing dates, interviews and start dates are subject to change, and interviews may take place at any time. Once S&B receives your application, eligibility and suitability checks will be completed before suitable applicants are shared with the employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and a benchmarking initial assessment may be required. You will be contacted by S&B or the employer if selected to progress. If you wish to withdraw your application, please inform us as soon as possible.

About this employer

Truck and Bus Wales & West are the authorised Volvo Truck and Bus dealer group for the South West and South Wales, operating nine workshops across the region with their head office in Avonmouth. They provide high-quality maintenance and repair services and offer strong career development opportunities within the Volvo network.

https://www.dealer.volvotrucks.co.uk/wales-and-west/en-gb/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Uniform and PPE provided
  • Onsite parking
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Career progression opportunities

After this apprenticeship

  • On successful completion, you will be well positioned to progress into a qualified Heavy Vehicle Technician role, with opportunities for further development within the Volvo network
  • We are committed to supporting your growth, helping you build a long-term career with ongoing training and progression opportunities

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

S & B AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY LIMITED

S&B Automotive Academy

contactus@sandbaa.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000029714.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)