Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship - GIST Thatcham
GIST LIMITED
Thatcham (RG19 4BQ)
Closes on Tuesday 30 June 2026
Posted on 20 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Working in partnership with M&S, at Gist we deliver industry-leading logistics and supply chain transformation. We value, celebrate, and believe in the power of individuality and strive to create a work environment where everyone can be themselves. Join Gist and drive your future forward with our HGV Technician Apprenticeship Programme!
- Wage
-
£20,000 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
- A starting salary of £20,000, increasing each year as you progress
- Training course
- Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, working hours to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Duration
-
3 years
- 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
Modern heavy goods vehicles are packed with advanced technology, diagnostics, and engineering systems. As an HGV Technician, you’ll play a vital role in keeping fleets operating safely and efficiently while developing specialist skills that are in high demand across the industry.
If you enjoy problem-solving, practical work, technology, and learning new skills, this could be the perfect career path for you!
From day one, you’ll become part of our Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) team, working alongside experienced technicians and gaining real hands-on experience on a wide range of heavy goods vehicles and trailers.
Over the course of the programme, you’ll learn how to:
- Carry out vehicle inspections, servicing, and repairs
- Diagnose faults using the latest diagnostic technology
- Maintain braking, axle, and electrical systems
- Work safely and professionally in a workshop environment
- Support the maintenance of alternatively fueled vehicles and emerging technologies
Where you'll work
Gist
Enterprise Way
Thatcham
RG19 4BQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SKILLNET 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
- Every 4 - 6 weeks, you’ll attend specialist training blocks at a dedicated training centre in Nottingham, where you’ll continue developing your technical knowledge and practical skills while working towards your Level 3 qualification in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- You won’t be doing it alone. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive ongoing support from experienced mentors, trainers, and a dedicated development coach who will help you build confidence, track your progress, and support your career development every step of the way
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- No skills required
- Full training will be provided
Other requirements
Interview and start dates are subject to arrangement.
About this employer
At Gist we are united by our core values; with safety and people at the heart of everything we do, we are progressive, accountable, collaborative, and ethical.
With over 6,000 colleagues our objective is to establish a performance-focused environment that is fair and inclusive, where everyone can develop, and connect meaningfully to the Gist vision and M&S. We are fiercely protective of everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing, and align firmly to M&S’s sustainability commitments.
Gist plays an integral part in the M&S journey as it pushes boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring era. As part of the M&S group, there’s never been a better time to be part of our team!
https://www.gistworld.com/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- 20% M&S discount on selected food, fashion, and furniture
- Competitive pension scheme and life assurance
- Discounts at major retailers and restaurants
After this apprenticeship
- GIST believes in providing an extensive, high-quality apprenticeship which gives their apprentices the opportunity to advance, succeed and fulfil all ambitions for a career in the motor industry and with such a wide range of skills instilled, an apprentice can move into any other area of the motor industry
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SKILLNET LIMITED
Jamie Rogan
jamie.rogan@skillnet.org.uk
01923216165
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032728.
Apply now
Closes on Tuesday 30 June 2026