Apprentice technician Review

Item: Apprentice technician at Group 1 Automotive
Rating: 3.6
Author: Anonymous

at Group 1 Automotive

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Automotive Engineering

Guildford, Surrey

Review Submitted: May 2025

Overall Rating

3.6 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

3/5 - Overview of Role

3/5 - Skills Development

3.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

3/5

A normal day consists mainly of servicing cars with my mentor. I am also included in diagnostic work and more repair work as well. I get to work by myself sometimes, depending on if there is a ramp spare for me to use.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I enjoy my time in the workshop when there is something to learn or if I can further learn how to complete new tasks. I don't really enjoy my time in the workshop if there is a constant flow of tedious tasks, I would say that I enjoy figuring out/learning how to do the more difficult jobs rather than carrying out the same simple task over and over.
To further elaborate, I'm more than happy to spend time struggling, rather than doing simple tasks repeatedly .
While at the training centre with ProVQ, I am able to further learn about my line of work, a good balance between practical and theory is provided.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

3/5

I have learnt a lot of new skills to do with servicing and repairs. I have developed my skills with my prior experience with similar trades, this has helped me become more focused on the automotive trade. In recent times I haven't learnt anything new due to the nature of work we get in, this is down to working for Lexus, as the cars don't have enough issues to develop my skills further.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

The way my learning/progress is carried out is good, the only downside is the wait between the training blocks as I am just waiting to go back to ProVQ to progress on my apprenticeship

How much support do you receive from your employer?

3/5

I receive a good deal of support from my employer as my manager is happy to help me further progress my learning.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

I receive a lot of support my training provider as they keep checking up on my to see what stage I am in with my learning and coursework.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

ProVQ has allowed me to get an insight on other manufacturers and how to overcome jobs that I am not able to complete in my workplace. The training provider has allowed me to complete tasks on pre-set rigs, meaning I have been able to experience it first hand.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

2/5

There are little opportunities to do outside of work, I can't blame the company for that to be honest. I have gone out of my own way to connect with more people in my line of work to fill these gaps, especially when I am away at the training centre as the other classmates have a similar enjoyment of the trade.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Group 1 Automotive to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The takeover from Inchcape has brought some more possibilities over what I was previously doing. The rate of work has slowed down which has allowed me to take more time learning rather than just doing the job and getting it out for the customer.