Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End Southampton Service Technician Apprenticeship

13587

VWG - Volkswagen Passenger Cars
Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton
Lyndsay Wainwright
lyndsay.wainwright@inspirolearning.co.uk
8
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Light Vehicle Standard (Level 3)
7 September 2026

Throughout Volkswagen we have a rigorous commitment to quality and excellence. Our products are highly acclaimed, our processes for distribution and support services are world class and we have some of the most technologically advanced resources in any industry.

The Volkswagen Apprenticeship Programme is designed to train and develop apprentices to keep pace with advancing technology and high levels of customer service. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to receive formal qualifications through extensive product training whilst in full-time employment at one of our retailers.

The Service department is vital to the success of our business. From right first-time fixes, to delivering excellent customer service, our Service Technicians/Mechanics play a pivotal role in delighting our customers and encouraging their continued loyalty. 

Every day is different within the Service department. As a Service Technician/Mechanic apprentice, some of your duties will include:

  • Use of diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle faults.
  • Testing of parts and systems to ensure correct working.
  • Following checklists to ensure all critical parts of vehicles are examined.
  • Carrying out bumper to bumper overview, service, and inspection.
  • Maintenance of electronic systems including on board entertainment systems.
  • Undertaking repair and maintenance of vehicle parts including clutches, gearboxes, tyres, brakes, and suspension.
  • Completion of legible and accurate paperwork for the customers and centres records.
  • Maintenance of a clean and tidy work environment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of products including traditional, hybrid and electronic engines. From heritage vehicles to leading edge modern technology, our range will provide you with a varied technical training experience to build your skills as a Service Technician/Mechanic.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join our team and embark on a long term career, with excellent earning and progression opportunities once you complete your apprenticeship.

Training provided

Training will be delivered using a combination of virtual classroom remote learning and face-to-face block release weeks at our state-of-the-art training centre.

Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre, in Milton Keynes, to complete their apprenticeship training. All training-related costs are fully covered as part of the programme, including travel, accommodation, and meals.

In the workplace, your personal, dedicated mentor will support your continued learning as you apply the skills and knowledge you have gained through the remote sessions and at the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre.

As an apprentice, you will also have the opportunity to attend Outward Bound, a personal development week which supports with developing resilience, confidence, and teamwork skills.

This is a fully rounded training experience where you will build life skills that last and gain both apprenticeship qualifications and brand certifications.

 

 

Qualifications received

On successful completion of the three-year apprenticeship programme, you will receive the following qualification (or the equivalent qualification for your devolved nation):

  • Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle)
  • Certificate in Automotive Refrigerant Handling
  • Brand specific certifications

 

Future prospects

Volkswagen Group (VWG) is one of the UK’s largest car retailers encompassing premium brands such as Audi, Bentley, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, TPS, Volkswagen Group Paint and Body and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This network of retailers spans the UK, providing a wide range of career opportunities.

Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will continue your learning journey and you will have the opportunity drive your career forward. Some of our apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers within the retail network or even joined our team at Head Office in Milton Keynes.

GCSE grades 9 – 4 (A – C) or equivalent in English, Maths and Science.
In Scotland, applicants must have or be predicted to achieve Scottish National 5 Grades A - C or above in English, Maths and either a Science or Technical subject.
'Equivalent' grades include:
• BTEC first diplomas and certificates
• OCR Nationals
• Key Skills Level 2
• NVQs
• Essential Skills (Wales)
• Functional Skills Level 2
• Core Skills (Scotland)
We accept predicted grades and conditional offers can be made based on predicted grades.
Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate skills in logic and problem solving. You should be someone who pays attention to detail and is committed to completing this three year training programme.
We are looking for people who are passionate about our industry and our brand. Some of the personal skills that you should think about showing us in your application are:
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Teamwork
• Strong communication
• Customer Service
• Interest in vehicle engineering
As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, all applications are automatically anonymised by our recruitment system. This is with the aim of realising our ambition to have a workforce that is reflective of the community we serve and eliminating unconscious bias, allowing employees to be appointed based on their talent, skills and experiences regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
English and Maths guidance from the government changed on 11th February 2025. This employer wishes to support upskilling in both English and Maths by exception and as such the entry grade criteria as advertised still applies.
The closing date for this vacancy is 26/07/2026 and interviews are expected to be held week commencing 10/8/2026. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. We therefore advise candidates to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Please do not contact the retailer directly. Inspiro Learning carry out the full recruitment service for this employer. Due to the high number of applications, we cannot provide a timescale on when you are likely to receive a response. As most of our roles are recruited for on an ongoing basis, we will contact you if you are successful at progressing to the next step. It is not possible for us to contact every applicant individually. If you have not heard back on a specific vacancy but find another opportunity that is of interest to you, we welcome an additional application.