Apprentice Vehicle Technician

Job Title: Apprentice Vehicle Technician

Salary: The salary is broken down as £23,936 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £29,624.  

Location: Belvedere

Contract: Fixed Term 48 Months

About this Opportunity 

We have an exciting opportunity to work in our flagship vehicle workshop as an Apprentice Vehicle Technician. This is a unique opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ and work alongside some of the most experienced vehicle technicians in the industry.  The apprenticeship that we provide is a three-year apprenticeship based at Belvedere, London, but with the requirement to complete ‘off-the-job’ learning at our training provider’s national workshop facility (outside of London).  The successful applicant will be required to spend roughly one week in every seven at college in a block release arrangement, with the remaining time being spent practicing your new skills in our workshop under the expert guidance of your mentor and supervisor.  The Metropolitan Police will fund all travel and accommodation as part of your block release study.

About the Met

The Met’s fleet of 5000 vehicles, 1000 pedal cycles and 25 marine vessels are all important physical assets that enable our officers and staff to carry out their jobs. The vehicles are a workplace for our officers and staff, carry sophisticated equipment for operational policing and providing a safe environment for the transport of the public and prisoners. The vehicles are deployed on a wide range of duties and include such variety as general-purpose cars, protected public order carriers, motorcycles, armed response cars, pursuit cars, prisoner transport vans, transfer of plant and specialist equipment. On many of these duties, the vehicles are subject to arduous use, responding to emergencies using police exemptions. 

About Fleet Services

Fleet Services form part of the ‘Operational Support Services’ business group, providing pan-London support to support policing across the Capital.  Fleet Services are responsible for all aspects of fleet lifecycle management to the Metropolitan Police Service, including vehicle maintenance.  Fleet Services are also responsible for the service, maintenance and repair of police vehicles and vessels that are ‘retained’ by the Metropolitan Police Service; specifically those assets where service, maintenance and repair activities are completed at our purpose-built workshops by our in-house team of dedicated technicians and support staff.     

Main Duties and Key Responsibilities

The role of Apprentice Vehicle Technician sits within our Retained Fleet Services function, operating out of our flagship workshop facility in Belvedere.  Whilst you’ll primarily be learning your trade, the role holder will also play a key role in our team to ensure that vehicles serviced and maintained promptly and effectively and are ready for essential police operations.  The role holder will:

• Assist with the maintenance of covert and specialist fleet vehicles (cars and light commercial vehicles) within Fleet Services’ specialist workshop by providing efficient scheduled and unscheduled maintenance repairs on the vehicle fleet.
• Support other qualified Vehicle Technicians and Technical Supervisors to maintain the delivery of an effective and efficient service.
• Visually inspect, repair and test vehicles, ensuring that defects are repaired ‘right first time’.
• Work on a broad number of makes and models of vehicles, whilst following multiple manufacturers’ repair instructions, specific methods and techniques.
• As an apprentice in our team, the role-holder will take responsibility for personal development, and participate fully in their training programme
• Keep up to date with relevant standards and legislation, and seek advice and guidance from their mentor if required.
• Fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship work-based training programme to achieve an industry-recognised qualification and gain essential skills, knowledge and experience of supporting policing work and helping to make London safe. 
• Support Fleet Services’ covert and specialist fleet by undertaking hands on activity to repair and maintain vehicles. 
• Support the Vehicle Technicians and Technical Supervisors to maintain the delivery of an effective and efficient service. 
• Undertake the training and assessment required under the apprenticeship training plan. 
• Learn and develop the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge required within the discipline. 
• Attend local briefings and relevant training courses as required and to keep conversant with latest technology with the use of further education facilities. 
• Undertake all aspects of work to meet departmental quality standards. 
• Maintain personal performance and productivity levels to the standards defined by the department. 
• Ensure workplace and college based development is in line with all relevant performance criteria. 
• Maintain all personal equipment, work area and accommodation to ensure it remains in a usable condition. 
• Take primary responsibility for own health and safety and of others, implement and comply with all Health & Safety training and / or requirements and wear the correct personal protective equipment for each task. 
• Carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the overall function, commensurate with the banding and level of responsibilities of the post. 

The role holder will be required to work within a team to enhance the overall fleet operation and ensure that we meet operational demands and keep London safe by ensuring a safe, fit-for-purpose and available fleet, in the most efficient and cost effective way.

Your profile

This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the UK’s largest police service.  We’re looking for somebody who is committed to their own personal development, is passionate about the motor industry and is keen to get stuck in as part of a team to deliver outstanding results.  We won’t apologise for looking for the best – we have High Standards and we’re not just looking for an apprentice - we want to find individuals who are ready to learn a trade and work towards qualifying as fully-trained vehicle technician. 

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven individual to join our workshop technical team.  You will not necessarily have any experience in the automotive industry, but you will need to demonstrate your enthusiasm, drive and commitment to previous study.
• You’ll need to be able to commit to studying with our training provider.  You will need to be aware that annual leave cannot be taken during course contact time and you must attend all mandatory lessons set out by the training provider.  Whilst much of your studying will be during work time, you’ll also need to be prepared to practice and revise outside of work for your mid-point examinations throughout your apprenticeship.  You’ll need to commit to completing your mid-stage and end-point assessments throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.  Your continuing employment with us will be subject to your progression through the training syllabus.
• You’ll need to live within a commuting distance of our vehicle workshop.  For our motor vehicle pathways, we’re looking for applicants who live within a one hour commute of Belvedere, London. 
• Finally, to ensure that you fit well into or team we’re looking for individuals with effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the confidence to work both as part of a team and independently.

In return, we can offer

We’re proud to be able to offer one of the most competitive reward packages in the industry to attract the high calibre of apprentice that we require for this role.  In addition to the benefits listed below, you’ll also enjoy the kind of great benefits that you’d expect from one of London's largest employers. These include annual leave, civil service pension arrangements, interest free season ticket loans, membership of Met sports and social clubs, and many more.

• A competitive starting salary
• A fully funded three year apprenticeship leading to a recognised industry qualification
• Block release training programme so that you can commit to your learning
• Latest equipment and tooling provided for use in our workshop
• The latest equipment and specialist tooling provided in our workshop, including personal issue tools and toolbox for use during your employment.
• Free uniform and PPE
• All travel and accommodation to college paid for by the Metropolitan Police Service
• A dedicated mentor in the workshop to provide consistent support through your course
• A hands-on working and learning environment
• Regular appraisals by your line manager
• 36 hours per week – Monday to Friday only with no weekend working
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service
• Access to emergency service discount schemes (Blue Light Card)

Additional Information

There are three stages to the recruitment process.  Applicants are invited to apply for this post online through the Metropolitan Police Service careers website.  Applicants successful at the paper sift stage will be invited to a face-to-face interview with our college training provider where you will be required to also evidence some of your education to date.  Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to a final interview with the Metropolitan Police Fleet Services team in London.  This position is subject to national police vetting, and we anticipate our apprentices commencing their employment with the Metropolitan Police Service in the Autumn of 2024.

How to apply

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 22nd April 2024.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk