Why Choose a Mercedes-Benz Apprenticeship?

See what our Apprentices have to say…

Gary Hughes

Light Vehicle Apprentice Technician

Hana Baldwin

Retail Parts Advisor Apprentice

Kimberley Berry

Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Technician

Types of Apprenticeship

										Mercedes‑Benz offers five apprentice schemes. Select a scheme below to discover more…
									

												
											

												Light Vehicle Technician Apprentice
											
As a Light Vehicle Technician, you will service and repair all systems within the vehicle including engine and exhaust systems, air conditioning and electronics. Work will range from replacing parts to solving complex faults using diagnostic methods and equipment. With evermore-complex technologies, the tasks are constantly changing.
Working towards a Level 3 Service and Maintenance Light Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship you will learn the key principles, practices and skills that underpin the role before further developing and applying your skills in more complex situations.
If you have an apt for practical work, like to work independently but at the same time operate as a member of a team and offer good customer handling skills then this could be the role for you!
The role of a Light Vehicle Technician Apprentice
Carrying out maintenance and repair work
Visual inspections and care of customer vehicles
Completion of relevant documentation
Working with System Technicians on more complex and extensive diagnostic and repair tasks

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
Basic mechanical understanding or knowledge
Passion and interest in the motor industry
Team player
Self- Motivated
Attention to detail
Enthusiasm to learn
Dedicated

Entry Requirements
Age 16+
GCSE grades 4 - 9 (or equivalent A*- C) in Mathematics and English Language

Important information
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnicity. We are committed to equal opportunities therefore if you have a disability please state this on your application form and measures will be put in place to support you.
The employing retailer dictates the remuneration that apprentices receive. They are required to pay, at least, the National Minimum Wage. Further details can be found here.
You will be required to work the minimum duration of 30 hours per week and a minimum of 20 percent of your working hours are allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. Training will take place as one-week blocks at our Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes. We will talk you through this during the application process.
We will support you in gaining Functional Skills in Mathematics and English should you require them.

Future Career opportunities
Completing an apprenticeship is just the start of your career at Mercedes-Benz. Examples of some career paths our graduates have taken are:
Maintenance, System and Diagnostic Technicians
Service Team Leader
Service Manager
After Sales Manager

For advice on completing an application, please refer to the advice and guidance here.

												
											

												Retail Parts Advisor Apprentice
											
The role of a Retail Parts Advisor Apprentice is diverse. You’ll be working both behind the scenes receiving deliveries and at the front desk serving Mercedes-Benz customers. You’ll learn skills in managing stock, merchandising, forecasting and analysing purchasing habits, as well as developing your ability to retain customers and increase market saturation.
Initially working towards a Level 2 Retailer Apprenticeship you will learn the key principles, practices and skills that underpin the role. On achievement, you will progress to Level 3 Retail Team Leader to further develop and apply your skills in more complex situations.
The role of a Retail Parts Advisor Apprentice
Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external customers both in person and over the phone 
Developing relationships with other departments 
Preparing orders
Meeting deadlines
Stock Control/ Management
Processing Warranty Claims and Payments
Identifying Parts
Business development/ Planning
Marketing and Visual Merchandising
Forecasting and Budgeting
Managing logistics including organising and arranging deliveries

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
Customer service skills 
												
Sales Skills
Organisational skills
ICT Skills
Complaint resolution skills
Problem solving abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Flexibility
An interest in motor vehicles

Entry Requirements
Age 16+
GCSE grades 4 - 9 (or equivalent A*- C) in Mathematics and English Language

Important information
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnicity. We are committed to equal opportunities therefore if you have a disability please state this on your application form and measures will be put in place to support you.
The employing retailer dictates the remuneration that apprentices receive. They are required to pay, at least, the National Minimum Wage. Further details can be found here.
You will be required to work the minimum duration of 30 hours per week and a minimum of 20 percent of your working hours are allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. Training will take place as one-week blocks at our Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes. We will talk you through this during the application process.
We will support you in gaining Functional Skills in Mathematics and English should you require them.

Future Career Opportunities
Parts Process Specialist 
												
Parts Supervisor
Parts Manager
After Sales Manager 
May lead to Sales Executive 

For advice on completing an application, please refer to the advice and guidance here.

												
											

												Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice
											
Have you ever wondered who services all the Mercedes-Benz trucks you see on the roads in your daily life? Many of them are maintained through our nationwide dealerships. If you want to be a part of a team that supports large businesses to ensure goods and services continue to be delivered to the public then this could be the role for you.
As a Heavy Vehicle Technician, you will service and repair all systems within the vehicle including engine and exhaust systems, air brakes, air conditioning and electronics. Work will range from replacing parts to solving complex faults using diagnostic methods and equipment. With evermore-complex technologies, the tasks are constantly changing.
Working towards a Level 3 Service and Maintenance Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship you will learn the key principles, practices and skills that underpin the role before further developing and applying your skills in more complex situations.
If you have an apt for practical work, like to work independently but at the same time operate as a member of a team and offer good customer handling skills then this could be the role for you!
The role of a Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice
Carrying out maintenance and repair work
												
Visual inspections and care of customer vehicles
Completion of relevant documentation
Working with System Technicians on more complex and extensive diagnostic and repair tasks

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
Passion and interest in the motor industry
Basic mechanical understanding or knowledge
Team player
Motivated
Attention to detail
Enthusiasm to learn
Dedicated

Entry Requirements
Age 16+
GCSE grades 4 - 9 (or equivalent A*- C) in Mathematics and English Language

Important information
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnicity. We are committed to equal opportunities therefore if you have a disability please state this on your application form and measures will be put in place to support you.
The employing retailer dictates the remuneration that apprentices receive. They are required to pay, at least, the National Minimum Wage. Further details can be found here.
You will be required to work the minimum duration of 30 hours per week and a minimum of 20 percent of your working hours are allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. Training will take place as one-week blocks at our Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes. We will talk you through this during the application process.
We will support you in gaining Functional Skills in Mathematics and English should you require them.

Future Career Opportunities
Maintenance, System, Diagnostic Technicians
Breakdown/Recoveries
Service Team Leader
Service Manager 
After Sales Manager 

For advice on completing an application, please refer to the advice and guidance here.

												
											

												Customer Service Expert Apprentice
											
As a Customer Service Expert Apprentice, you will develop first-class customer service skills including understanding customer needs and business needs, critically evaluating customer service levels and implementing changes to improve the customer journey and using appropriate resources and technology to support the needs of the customer. You will acquire the skills to deal with challenging situations and develop plans to drive loyalty and retention and exceed customer expectations.
Working towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Customer Service Specialist you will learn the key principles, practices and skills that underpin the role before further developing and applying your skills in more complex situations.
The role of a Customer Service Expert
Understanding your customers and the business
Developing knowledge of relevant regulations and legislation
Using appropriate resources and technology to meet the needs of customers
Keeping up to date with the most recent product information
Resolving challenges
Understanding the extended customer journey
Understanding how to apply different skills and behaviors in various different situations
Developing insights into customer behaviour including influencing factors such as loyalty, emotion and culture
Apply knowledge and skills to find solutions to complex challenges
Analyse service levels and develop options for improvement

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
First-class customer service skills
Organisational skills
Listening & communication skills
ICT skills
Complaint resolution skills
Problem solving abilities
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
An interest in motor vehicles

Entry Requirements
Age 16+
GCSE grades 4 - 9 (or equivalent A*- C) in Mathematics and English Language

Important information
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnicity. We are committed to equal opportunities therefore if you have a disability please state this on your application form and measures will be put in place to support you.
The employing retailer dictates the remuneration that apprentices receive. They are required to pay, at least, the National Minimum Wage. Further details can be found here.
You will be required to work the minimum duration of 30 hours per week and a minimum of 20 percent of your working hours are allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. Training will take place as one-week blocks at our Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes. We will talk you through this during the application process.
We will support you in gaining Functional Skills in Mathematics and English should you require them.

Future Career Opportunities:
Completing an apprenticeship is just the start of your career at Mercedes-Benz. Examples of some career paths our graduates have taken are:
Customer Support Executive
Front of House – Brand Representative
Customer Service Expert leading to After Sales, Service Advisor or Parts Operations Specialist

For advice on completing an application, please refer to the advice and guidance here.

												
											

												Light Vehicle (Van) Technician Apprentice
											
As a Light Vehicle (Van) Technician, you will service and repair all systems within a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, including engine and exhaust systems, air conditioning and electronics. Work will range from replacing parts to solving complex faults using diagnostic methods and equipment. With evermore-complex technologies, the tasks are constantly changing.
											
Working towards a Level 3 Service and Maintenance Light Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship you will learn the key principles, practices and skills that underpin the role before further developing and applying your skills in more complex situations.
If you have an apt for practical work, like to work independently but at the same time operate as a member of a team and offer good customer handling skills then this could be the role for you!
The role of a Light Vehicle (Van) Technician Apprentice
Carrying out maintenance and repair work
Visual inspections and care of customer vehicles
Completion of relevant documentation
Working with System Technicians on more complex and extensive diagnostic and repair tasks

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
Basic mechanical understanding or knowledge
												
Passion and interest in the motor industry
Team player
Self- Motivated
Attention to detail
Enthusiasm to learn
Dedicated

Entry Requirements
Age 16+
GCSE grades 4 - 9 (or equivalent A*- C) in Mathematics and English Language

Important information
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnicity. We are committed to equal opportunities therefore if you have a disability please state this on your application form and measures will be put in place to support you.
The employing retailer dictates the remuneration that apprentices receive. They are required to pay, at least, the National Minimum Wage. Further details can be found here.
You will be required to work the minimum duration of 30 hours per week and a minimum of 20 percent of your working hours are allocated to ‘off-the-job’ training. Training will take place as one-week blocks at our Apprentice Academy in Milton Keynes. We will talk you through this during the application process.
We will support you in gaining Functional Skills in Mathematics and English should you require them.

Future Career Opportunities
Maintenance, System and Diagnostic Technicians
												
Service Team Leader
Service Manager
After Sales Manager

For advice on completing an application, please refer to the advice and guidance here.

The Academy

Facilities and Accommodation

Mercedes‑Benz apprentices are provided with their own rooms at a hotel near to the Academy. You can also enjoy a range of entertainment activities throughout the week in the Mercedes‑Benz games room or you can relax in the sauna or jacuzzi. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel and a selection of lunch options are available at the Academy along with snacks and drinks machines. Games nights, team building, and even karting are some of the activities offered on the apprentice scheme.

Mercedes‑Benz’ Duty of Care

Apprentices are well looked after when on the scheme and are treated in line with our Safeguarding Policy. As an apprentice you will be assigned a workplace mentor for your time at the local Retailer and a dedicated Student Liaison Officer for your time at the Academy in Milton Keynes. A 24-hour hotline is also on hand should you need anything whilst away from home, whilst learners needing additional help in Maths and English will have access to agencies to help them build up their skills to the required level.

Equality and Diversity

Mercedes‑Benz is committed to a policy of equality and diversity. The motor trade is one in which females are particularly underrepresented with under 2.5 percent of annual recruitment being made up of females. Around 5.7 percent of our Apprentice Academy intake last year was female and we are striving to promote the motor trade to a new generation of young female learners to try and raise the female representation.

After Completion - What Comes Next

Ofsted have rated the Mercedes‑Benz Apprentice Academy 'Outstanding' in the 'Outcomes for Learners' category and this shows in a 96 per cent pass completion rate. Graduates of the Apprentice Academy will receive their awards at a ceremony at Mercedes‑Benz World in Surrey, hosted by senior executives within the business. The Apprentice of the Year winners and nominees are invited to a formal dinner, whilst winners can also book their ticket to work experience with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team. Mercedes‑Benz works with dealers to ensure apprentice recruitment fits a demand for new parts and technician positions which allows our apprentices to move straight into employment with their dealership once the scheme ends, a career path taken by many and backed up by the 70 per cent of apprenticeship graduates who remain in the Dealer network after ten years.

Alexander Malcolm, Retail Parts Advisor Apprentice

Alexander has been employed by Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield, undertaking an Apprenticeship as a Parts Operations Specialist. Alex was awarded Apprentice of the Year by Mercedes-Benz and was also the winner of the IMI Outstanding Student in a non-technical discipline.

Given the variety of options available to you, why did you choose an Apprenticeship?

“After doing my A Levels I didn't want to go to university so looked for other options available. I had a look on the Government's Apprenticeship website and found that Mercedes-Benz were offering an Apprenticeship in Macclesfield so I applied for it. I felt that going for an Apprenticeship would give me the correct training I would need for the job over 3 years.”

What does your role involve?

“My role involves dealing with parts enquiries from internal and external customers and getting them parts for a vehicle as quickly as possible. Most of our work comes through our busy workshop but we also have regular independent garages who require parts.”

What is your favourite thing about your job?

“My favourite part of the job is the customer interaction and helping with any queries they have. Although some of the queries they have are challenging, the satisfaction you get once the job is complete is great and makes it all worthwhile.”

How did it feel to win Apprentice of the Year?

“Unbelievable! Just to complete my Apprenticeship with such a great company was a fantastic achievement, but to get awarded apprentice of the year was the icing on the cake. It really did make the 3 years of hard work I put into this Apprenticeship worth it.”

As part of winning the title, you spent a week at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 during the British Grand Prix Week. How was that experience?

“It was an amazing experience. To be able to work among people who all worked so hard and all had the same goal was fantastic. And obviously to work within a team that I support, that’s something that I will never forget.”

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone who is considering what to do with their future/career path?

“Do what you want to do. If you don’t do what you want to do, you won’t enjoy it as much. There’s a lot of pressure from schools wanting students to go to university. That means that they very rarely speak to students about other opportunities for them. Knowing what I know now, I would encourage current students to look into Apprenticeships in a little more depth. I was fortunate enough to find an Apprenticeship with a fantastic brand and great support from the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Academy as well as my workplace. Overall, my experience has been unforgettable and I am now looking forward to what the future holds.”