DAF Apprentice College

You will spend 3 years training alongside an experienced mentor at the Sheffield dealership as well as attending DAF Apprentice College on a one‑week block release 10 times a year in Nottingham. Accommodation and travel will be provided during block release. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will have earned a Level 3 standard in HGV repair and maintenance and will be employed by us as a qualified technician with the opportunity to progress in a variety of areas within the business.

We are seeking eager, enthusiastic people with a thirst for knowledge and the desire to learn and develop their skills within our workshop. This would be an ideal role for someone who wants to start their career journey in the automotive industry.

• Observing and assisting experienced technicians in all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair
• Following strict health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment
• Undertaking servicing tasks to maintain vehicle performance and safety standards
• Assisting with MOT inspections, ensuring vehicles meet legal requirements and carrying out basic tasks with tools and equipment common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical procedures related to HV
• Keeping updated with emerging new technologies within the HV industry
• Contributing to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhering to company and legislative processes
• Accessing specific and related HV technical information appropriately
• Serving, inspecting and maintaining HVs and trailers to meet company, driver and vehicle standards agency (DVSA) and manufacturers' standards
• Using a range of diagnostic and electrical measuring equipment to identify faults and underlying causes on HV’s
• Successfully inspecting and preparing vehicles and trailers to meet DVSA standards prescribed in the tester’s manual
• Carrying out final quality checks before handover to the customer without supervision
• Applying advanced diagnostic principles and logical/problem‑solving techniques and regimes
• Maintaining records to meet company and operators’ licence obligations and regulations
• Communicating effectively in both oral and written mediums internally and with customers on a range of topics that support HV inspection and diagnosing techniques

• GCSE in English (grade 4 or above)
• GCSE in Maths (grade 4 or above)
• Share any other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Key skills and experience: GCSE equivalent in English Language and Maths (Grace C/4 or above), enthusiastic, strong communication skills, good time management and attention to detail, organisational skills, ability to problem solve, ability to work under instruction and as part of a team, strong focus on Health and safety.

Ford & Slater is one of the UK's largest DAF Truck dealer groups with 16 locations across the UK, employing over 800 staff while remaining a family‑run business. Specialising in the maintenance and repair of DAF Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), with a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Ford & Slater is the ideal place to launch a rewarding career in the heavy vehicle industry.

£16,640 a year. Training course:
Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician (Level 3).

Hours:

Monday – Friday, approximately 8.00 am – 4.30 pm with one early finish, with the possibility of occasional weekend working and overtime. 40 hours a week.

Start date:

Wednesday 1 July 2026. Duration: 3 years.