Apprentice Vehicle Fitter
Sunderland City Council
Washington (NE37 1EQ)
Closes in 18 days (Sunday 7 June 2026)
Posted on 20 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Looking to kickstart a career in the motor vehicle engineering industry? Come and work for us and gain a qualification! As an Apprentice Vehicle Fitter, you will receive full support, gain hands-on experience learning to service, maintain and repair a range of specialist heavy vehicles and a recognised qualification.
- Wage
-
£18,193 a year
- Training course
- Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, different shifts (7:30am-3:30pm) and / or late shifts (12:30pm-8pm).
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
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
Key responsibilities
To demonstrate a commitment to developing personal skills in accordance with the apprenticeship standard.
To meet deadlines associated with progression through the full apprenticeship period.
To complete assignments/projects which relate to the apprenticeship framework to meet target dates.
To treat all information gathered, either electronically or manually, in a confidential manner.
Key tasks
- To be able to develop knowledge and experience of vehicles and plant maintenance, driving large goods vehicles, customer service skills through classroom and on the job training.
- To be able to deliver repairs in a timely and effective manner.
- Ability to work early mornings (7:30am-3:30pm) and / or late shifts (12:30-8pm) on weekdays.
- To undertake lifting or carrying of heavy items and equipment, as required.
- Develop skills and knowledge to be able to operate a range of tools and equipment which are potentially hazardous in nature, whilst under supervision.
- To wear protective clothing or equipment, as and when required.
- To work outside in all types of weather conditions, as and when required.
- Ability to understand the use of and reading of manuals and electronic information.
- To be able to observe and judge distances and colour coded components in order to effectively repair and maintain vehicle systems.
- The ability to obtain a UK driving licence during the training programme, and after completion of training, (at age 21) a Large Goods Vehicle driving licence to drive the specialist vehicles being serviced.
Where you'll work
13 Parsons Road
Parsons Industrial Estate
Washington
NE37 1EQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
GATESHEAD COLLEGE
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
Gateshead College, Baltic Business Centre, Quarryfield Rd, Quarter, Gateshead NE8 3BE.
College sessions will be held on a weekly basis.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C or above)
- Maths (grade 4 / C or above)
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
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Team working
- Manual dexterity
Other requirements
The ability to obtain a UK driving licence during the training programme, and after completion of training, (at age 21) a Large Goods Vehicle driving licence in order to drive the specialist vehicles being serviced.
Manual dexterity – the ability to work in a range of temperatures inside the workshop, to work at heights on top of vehicles and underneath vehicles, working in physically constrained and dirty conditions, where the use of specialist Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.
Able to have (corrected where necessary) good eyesight capable of understanding the use of, and the ability to read manual and electronic information.
About this employer
Sunderland is a fantastic, forward-looking, ambitious city undergoing significant transformation and economic regeneration. From the seafront and the city centre, to building locations of national strategic significance, we are creating the very best conditions for our 280,000 residents who live here and those who come to the city to work.
We provide a huge variety of services across the city, currently employing approximately 2,500 people in many roles ranging from gardeners to building maintenance technicians, ICT experts to social workers and many more. At all levels we work together to achieve real change across the city.
Sunderland is one of the few cities in the UK to be situated on the coast, whilst benefitting from easy access to the countryside, a short drive from two international airports, direct rail access to London and less than a twenty-minute drive from Durham and Newcastle.
We have a growing cultural scene. Sunderland Empire theatre attracts high-profile West End productions, and the Fire Station is Sunderland’s premier live music and performance venue. The National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and Northern Gallery of Contemporary Art are all close to the city centre.
Sunderland is a great place to work. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll discover a place – and people – that will make you feel at home.
https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/default.aspx?page=orghome&orgid=90 (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Access to Pension Scheme.
- 26 days leave + bank holidays.
- Statutory & organisational sick pay.
- 3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- Discounted public transport travel pass.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- Fitter.
- Plant and Vehicle Technician Supervisor.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Sunderland City Council
John Stratton, Workshop Manager
john.stratton@sunderland.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032389.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Sunday 7 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.