hgv mechanic. Review

I am employed solely as a hgv mechanic repairing commercial vehicles. I have to carry out diagnosis task to identify faults with vehicles and then organise and carry out the repair of the faults, I also sometimes take responsibility of organising work loads and conversing with customers. I also sometimes drive customers vehicles for collection/ deliveries and road tests.

during my apprenticeship, I have learnt skills for diagnosing and repairing faults as well as the techniques to rectify them. I have also carried out a year long course in management at nvq level 4. I have also been given the opportunity to gain a licence to drive articulated and tanker type vehicles.

I really enjoy working in a workshop environment as it is very busy. my apprenticeship was good because it gave me the time away to focus and learn the key skills which help me do my job. the facilities available were fantastic and the knowledge and skill of the trainers were excellent.

In my opinion, the structure of the programme was good as my company organises travel and board in plenty of time to make sure you are taken care of. however the workshop based isits from skillnet were sometimes poor as I had many different assessors who would turn up at random unscheduled times.

I was given one technician to work with 90% of the time which was very good because he taught me the important methods as well as the short cuts top tasks. I feel because I was confident and out spoken my line managers were willing to help me and push me to progress.

in my opinion, during the nvq/ vrq, he workshop based visits are undertaken by skillnet (our training provider), were sometimes poor as I had many different assessors who would turn up at random times. however I am aware this has improved since I qualified as new apprentices have been handled better.

I know it has taught me 90% of my knowledge as before I began the qualification I barely knew anything in this field of work. I know that my skill level is still improving as still carry out new training programmes to expand my knowledge of new and old systems.

Not really except for some shows or conventions, but it is very good being in a workshop environment as we become part of a team. Yearly, DAF carry out a heroes award where willing candidates carry out tests in their own time to see who is the best technician in the country by category for prises.

Yes

Because I enjoy going to work everyday as its always a new challenge and something new to learn. I am also progressing well within the business and moving there is the possibility of moving into new job roles in the future which is an exciting thought and gives me a target to aim for in the future.

I would recommend someone to, not be shy, or come with a chip on their shoulder. just be willing to work hard and don't be worried about asking questions as we would rather someone ask as that's how we all learn! be confident, stick to deadlines and have good time keeping.