Time is running out for anyone hoping to train as a vehicle technician with Halfords, as autocare technician apprenticeships at several of its garages close for applications on Monday 9 November.

The two-year Level 2 apprenticeships start on Monday 4 January 2027. Vacancies at Halfords Autocentres in Stockport, Warrington Hawley and Newton-le-Willows all close on 9 November, while the Chester vacancy closes on 10 November, Chesterfield on 13 November, Burnley on 22 November and Sheffield on 27 November. The Newton-le-Willows role pays £17,680 a year for a 40-hour week, worked Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with the possibility of Saturday working. Apprentices aged over 18 work a 44-hour week.

Autocare technician apprentices work in the service department, where they carry out routine servicing, inspections and repairs. Duties include using diagnostic equipment to find vehicle faults, testing parts and systems, following checklists to examine critical components, carrying out bumper-to-bumper services and inspections, and maintaining electronic systems, including on-board entertainment. Apprentices also complete customer paperwork and keep their work area clean and tidy. The work covers traditional, hybrid and electric engines, from heritage vehicles to modern models.

Training is delivered by Inspiro Learning through a mix of virtual classroom sessions and face-to-face block release weeks at a training centre. Travel, accommodation and meals for training are covered, and each apprentice has a dedicated mentor in their garage. Halfords supplies a full toolkit, uniform and work boots. On completion, apprentices gain the Level 2 Autocare Technician standard, a certificate in automotive refrigerant handling, a Level 2 qualification in the safe isolation of electric and hybrid vehicles, and brand-specific certifications, with progression towards the Level 3 standard in light vehicle maintenance and repair.

Applicants need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or A* to C, in English and maths. A Level 1 qualification in light vehicle maintenance and repair is desirable, and the employer is looking for people with some experience in the motor industry, either through formal training or work in a similar organisation. Enthusiasm, teamwork, communication, customer service and an interest in vehicle engineering are among the personal qualities listed in the vacancy.

Applications are made through the GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship service, and Inspiro Learning carries out recruitment for the employer, so applicants are asked not to contact the retailer directly. The adverts warn that they may close early if enough applications are received. Interviews for the Stockport vacancy are planned for the week commencing 30 November, while the Chesterfield vacancy has an assessment centre on Thursday 12 November at the training facility in Doncaster. Successful apprentices are offered a permanent role, and Halfords says some former apprentices have gone on to become team leaders and managers in its retail network.

Halfords describes itself as the UK's leading retailer of automotive and cycling products, with more than 600 stores and over 10,000 colleagues. It is also the leading operator in MOT testing, tyres, car servicing and repairs, serving more than 750,000 customers a year, with over 700 garages across England, Scotland and Wales.