Suzuki Apprenticeship Programme

Gearing up for a career in the automotive industry? Get the low-down on becoming a Suzuki apprentice

If you’re fired up about forging an exciting career in the automotive industry, joining Suzuki’s Apprenticeship Programme is a decision that instinctively makes sense. We’ll give you the opportunity to get your life into gear. Top gear, that is.

Training on the Suzuki Apprenticeship Programme is geared around hands-on practical experience. This will be a fantastic opportunity to improve your long-term career prospects, whether you are starting out in your first job, or progressing at work. Whoever you are, whatever your background or circumstances—if you want to start your career in the automotive industry, an apprenticeship is a great place to start.

About the Suzuki Apprenticeship Programme

During your apprenticeship you will learn industry-valued knowledge, skills and behaviours that will be the foundation for your future career.

Whatever your background or circumstances, an apprenticeship is a great place to start. By completing an apprenticeship you will be more likely to have professional success and can look at earning significantly more over the course of your career.

Apprenticeships combine practical training and related studies, melding the skills delivered by your employer with our apprentice technical training team. Your commitment to the programme—and taking accountability for your own development—will be expected, challenging and rewarding.

The Apprenticeship Programme gives you access to learning environments and resources that will support your development and help you achieve your individual and apprenticeship goals.

Apprenticeship Benefits

In addition to the pride and status that comes with being associated with one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, the following benefits are applicable:

Full time paid employment at a Suzuki Dealership
Residential block-release tuition at Suzuki’s state-of-the-art training centre
Regular assessment and development within the workplace
No training costs
Corporate workwear supplied
Training utilising the latest Suzuki vehicles, literature and tools
Develop transferable communication skills in readiness for your future progression
Opportunities to stretch and challenge your English and maths
Long-term career prospects and ongoing development

Service Technician

About the Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Standard Level 3

The programme uses a blended learning approach with your employer and the apprentice training team, through block release residential training, distance digital learning and your own self-study. If you are as committed as we are, the programme will give you every chance of success.

You will gain knowledge of:

The fundamentals of vehicle technologies e.g. chassis & electrical systems, engines, transmissions, air conditioning and electric vehicles
The types, and associated characteristics, of light vehicles e.g. electric and hybrid vehicles
Diagnostic principles and logical problem-solving techniques
Emerging automotive technologies as they become evident

You will gain competencies of:

Common foundation skills e.g. removing and replacing fittings and components effectively and safely
Workplace safety, maintenance and procedures e.g. environmental awareness, record keeping and safe working practices
Access of information e.g. vehicle repair information, wiring diagrams and maintenance tables
Removing, repairing / replacing components in line with manufacturer’s standards
Diagnostic techniques to solve vehicle fault(s) and identify the underlying causes
Use of diagnostic, mechanical and electrical measuring equipment

You will develop your workplace behaviours and soft skills:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
Behave in accordance with the values of the company and the brand
Operate as an effective team member
Take responsibility when required and be honest and accountable
Take personal ownership in order to improve own performance
Understand how the business works from an operational perspective and demonstrate commercial awareness

Additional elements:

Gain EU’s 2014 F-gas regulation certification
Functional skills English and maths to a minimum of Level 2 (exemptions may apply)

Duration

The apprenticeship is expected to take 3 years for you to attain the required level of knowledge, competence and workplace behaviours.

Off-The-Job Training Hours

Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for an English apprenticeship. It is training received during the apprentice’s normal working hours, for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the agreed apprenticeship. An e-logbook is required to be completed with a minimum number of hours and assessed by a workplace mentor.

This training is met by guided learning within the workplace and is supplemented by formal delivery in our training centre and digital learning opportunities such as e-learning.

End Point Assessment

Apprenticeship certification is awarded by successful achievement of an independent assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. Prior eligibility criteria—such as the number of hours of off-the-job training and functional skills achievement—must be met before the candidate can be put forward. The End Point Assessment, overseen by an independent awarding body, contains:

Online knowledge assessment
Observed practical skills test
Synoptic professional discussion

Customer Service

Your employer and the Apprenticeship Programme will ensure that you acquire an all-round competence in the Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard.

The programme uses a blended learning approach with your employer and the apprentice training team, through block-release residential training, distance digital learning and your own self-study. If you are as committed as we are, the programme will give you every chance of success.

You will gain knowledge of:

Knowing your customers
Understanding the organisation
Meeting regulations and legislation
Effective use of systems and resources
Your workplace role and responsibility
The customer experience
Product and service knowledge

You will gain competencies of:

Communication and interpersonal skills
Influencing skills and negotiation
Personal organisation
Dealing with customer conflict and challenge

You will develop your workplace behaviours and soft skills:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
Behave in accordance with the values of the company and the brand
Operate as an effective team member
Take responsibility when required and be honest and accountable
Take personal ownership in order to improve own performance
Demonstrate commercial awareness of how the business works

Additional elements:

Functional skills English and maths to a minimum of Level 1 (exemptions may apply)
Functional skills at Level 2 must be attempted as part of the course (GCSE 5–2)

Duration

The apprenticeship is expected to take 12 months to achieve the required knowledge, competence and workplace behaviours, with an additional 3 months to complete the End Point Assessment.

Off-The-Job Training Hours

Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for an English apprenticeship. It’s training received during normal working hours for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the approved apprenticeship. An e-logbook must be completed and assessed by a workplace mentor.

This is met by guided learning in the workplace and supplemented by formal training in our centre and digital learning (e-learning).

End Point Assessment

Certification is awarded by successful completion of an independent assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria (hours of off-the-job training and functional skills). The EPA, overseen by an independent body, includes:

Online knowledge assessment
Observed practical skills test
Synoptic professional discussion

Motorcycle Technician

About the Motorcycle Technician (Repair and Maintenance) Standard Level 3

You will gain knowledge of:

Frame construction and welding/brazing methods
Handle bar control, steering geometry and suspension setup
Wheels, tyres and braking systems (disc, drum, cable, hydraulic)
Engine/power source construction (two/four stroke, electric propulsion)
Cooling & lubrication systems (air/liquid cooled, wet/dry sump)
Intake, exhaust, emission, fuel, ignition systems, ECU & transmission types
Electrical systems: management, lighting, instrumentation & security
Service, inspection & maintenance to manufacturer specifications
On-road testing benefits; diagnostic principles & fault-finding techniques
Emerging technologies & legislation, including electric motorcycle developments

You will gain competencies of:

Perform engineering tasks (cutting, drilling, fabrication, fastener replacement)
Workplace safety, environmental awareness & record-keeping
Use diagnostic methods and mechanical/electrical measuring tools
Investigate motorcycle fault symptoms
Access wiring diagrams, maintenance tables & safety recalls

You will develop your workplace behaviours and soft skills:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
Behave in accordance with company and brand values
Operate as an effective team member
Take responsibility, be honest and accountable
Own your development and improve performance
Demonstrate commercial awareness of business operations

Additional elements:

Functional skills English & maths to a minimum of Level 2 (exemptions may apply)

Duration

The apprenticeship is expected to take 3 years for you to attain the required level of knowledge, competence and workplace behaviours.

Off-The-Job Training Hours

Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for an English apprenticeship. It is training received during normal working hours to achieve the approved apprenticeship’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. An e-logbook must be completed and assessed by a workplace mentor.

This training is delivered in the workplace and supplemented by block-release at our training centre and digital learning (e-learning).

End Point Assessment

Certification is awarded by successful completion of an independent assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria (off-the-job hours and functional skills). The EPA, overseen by an independent awarding body, includes:

Online knowledge assessment
Observed practical skills test
Synoptic professional discussion

ATV Technician

About the ATV Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

You will gain knowledge of:

Frame construction and welding/brazing methods
Handlebar control, steering geometry & suspension setup
Wheels, tyres & braking systems (disc, drum, cable, hydraulic)
Engine/power sources: two/four stroke, single & multi-cylinder, electric propulsion
Cooling & lubrication systems: air/liquid cooled, wet & dry sump
Intake/exhaust, fuel, ignition systems, ECU & transmission types
Electrical systems: engine management, lighting, instrumentation & security
Service, inspection & maintenance to manufacturer specifications
On-road testing benefits; diagnostic principles & fault-finding techniques
Emerging technologies & legislation, including electric vehicle advances

You will gain competencies of:

Perform engineering tasks: cutting, drilling, fabrication, fastener replacement
Health & safety knowledge and environmental awareness
Use diagnostic methods & mechanical/electrical measuring tools
Investigate motorcycle fault symptoms
Access wiring diagrams, maintenance tables & safety recalls

You will develop your workplace behaviours and soft skills:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
Behave in accordance with company and brand values
Operate as an effective team member
Take responsibility, be honest and accountable
Own your development and improve your performance
Demonstrate commercial awareness of business operations

Additional elements:

Functional skills English & maths to at least Level 2 (exemptions may apply)

Duration

The apprenticeship is expected to take 3 years for you to attain the required knowledge, competence and workplace behaviours.

Off-The-Job Training Hours

This is provided by guided workplace learning and supplemented by block-release sessions and digital learning.

End Point Assessment

Online knowledge assessment
Observed practical skills test
Synoptic professional discussion

Training Delivery Model

Progress Reviews, Block Release & Digital Training

Digital Training

Technology is continually evolving and the use of personal devices such as phones and tablets give the opportunity for some learning to be conducted on demand and without the need to travel. We are continually developing our resources and apprentices will have growing access to digital learning opportunities.

Block Release Training

During the apprenticeship, your training will be carried out over a number of weeks at Suzuki’s own training centre in Doncaster. Dependent upon your location it is likely that you will be required to stay overnight for each day of training. The programme and employers work closely to ensure that the accommodation is safe, supportive and suitably close for us to have arranged daily travel on your behalf.

Progress Review

Progress and safeguarding reviews will take place periodically and are supplemented with reviews of action plan progress. The review is an opportunity for you and your trainer to engage with your employer. SMART targets are agreed for the next period and an appraisal of progress to date will drive ongoing action plans. This is a vital activity and we use a number of assessment and progression methods to ensure the link between block training, work-based learning and certification progression.

Training Centre Address:

Parkside Business Park
Spinners Rd
Doncaster
DN2 4LT

Hotel Accommodation

Whilst attending training at Doncaster training centre, all your travel and accommodation fees will be paid for by your employer, therefore allowing you to concentrate on learning the skills to become fully qualified in your chosen career.

During your training you will stay at the Hellaby Hall Hotel in Rotherham, near Sheffield. This includes your breakfast and evening meals, free Wi-Fi and use of the hotel’s leisure facilities (gym, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, etc.). Lunch will be provided at the training centre.

Hellaby Hall Hotel
Hellaby
Rotherham
S. Yorks
S66 8EX

For more information about the hotel, please visit their website www.hellabyhallhotel.co.uk

Hotel rooms are on a twin sharing basis (following our Safeguarding Policy) unless the employer specifies and pays for single occupancy. Please speak with your employer if you have any special requirements.

The programme works closely with the accommodation partner and uses both verbal feedback to react quickly to any potential concerns and a formal feedback mechanism to continually monitor and improve the provision.

Apprenticeship Support

During your apprenticeship journey your well-being is of paramount importance to us.

Learning styles are not all the same for each apprentice and everyone learns at different paces and levels and we aim to provide you with all the resources and tools to progress.

Whatever disability you may have, Bosch aims to provide our apprentices with additional support and guidance where required both in the classroom environment and in one-to-one sessions as well.

Contact our team if you have any queries or support requirements before starting your apprenticeship.

We wish you every success for your apprenticeship.

Female Support

We are always particularly pleased to welcome female apprentices commencing the programme. Females are in the minority in the motor industry and we are keen the industry benefits from an increased number over time. You will be treated exactly the same as your male colleagues—that is our intention.

Under-Represented Groups

We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that any under-represented groups have the same opportunities for a long and fulfilling career in the industry.

Support Network

During the course of your apprenticeship, all apprentices will receive effective guidance and support from their Trainer, who should be the first point of contact with any concerns.

Some apprentices prefer an additional point of contact. If at any stage you feel this might help, contact the programme office or—if you’re a female apprentice—ask to speak to the female support contact. They will be pleased to assist.

Interview Tips

To help you feel ready for the interview process, Suzuki and GetMyFirstJob have compiled a few tips from employer feedback. These insights will help you know what to expect.

Find Out More

Useful Links and Contact Details

Ben – Here for the automotive industry
www.ben.org.uk

National Union of Students (NUS)
www.apprenticeextra.co.uk

Support Service for Children and Young People
www.childline.org.uk

Social Networking Awareness
www.net-aware.org.uk

Internet Safety Awareness
www.saferinternet.org.uk

Women and Children Abuse Support
www.womensaid.org.uk

Drug and Alcohol Awareness
www.talktofrank.com

Mental Health Awareness
www.mind.org.uk

Self Harm Awareness
www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/self-harm/

Support for People with Learning Disabilities
www.mencap.org.uk

Eating Disorders Support
www.eatingdisorderssupport.co.uk

Counter Terrorism / Radicalisation
Police anti-terrorist hotline – Tel: 0800 789 321

Bereavement Support – The Compassionate Friends
www.tcf.org.uk

Sexual Health
Sexual Health Information Line – Tel: 0800 567 123

Sexual Violence
www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Debt Support
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Employer Information

When training Apprentices, we at Bosch want to ensure that you as Employers receive the best possible service, advice and guidance.

Key topics covered are:

Requirements when employing an apprentice
Contracts of Employment / Apprenticeship Agreement
Legislation (National minimum wage etc.)
Off-the-job training & End Point Assessment
Roles and responsibilities
Workplace mentor
Learner safety
Expectations

Recruiting an Apprentice

We know that recruiting the right apprentice for your company and ensuring they have the relevant skills and knowledge will be paramount. Call our Apprenticeship Programme Recruitment Team to guide you through the process.

We advertise your vacancy on government sites and social media, attend careers events, shortlist candidates via online assessments and phone interviews, then send you the best match for your own interview process.

If you already have an employee you’d like to enrol, we can talk you through that too.

Levy & Non-Levy Funding Information

Your business size, headcount and wage bill determine whether you’re a levy or non-levy employer. The links below from gov.uk will help you understand how apprenticeships are funded.

Take on an Apprentice:
www.gov.uk/guidance/employing-an-apprentice-technical-guide-for-employers

Get funding:
www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice/get-funding

Manage your funds:
www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-apprenticeship-funds

(Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland have their own programmes—please call our team for details.)