Apprentice Mechanic

Apprentice HGV Mechanic

Job Description

An Apprentice HGV Mechanic is a hands-on training role that combines workplace shadowing and formal classroom study to earn a Heavy Vehicle Maintenance qualification.

Apprentices learn to service, diagnose faults, and repair commercial heavy vehicles and trailers.

Core Responsibilities

• Inspections & Servicing: Perform routine safety checks, basic maintenance, and servicing on heavy goods vehicles to ensure legal roadworthiness and DVSA standards.

• Diagnostics & Repair: Learn to use specialist diagnostic equipment to trace, isolate, and repair electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical faults.

• Component Maintenance: Assist qualified technicians in replacing or repairing key systems like engines, transmissions, steering, air braking, and air suspension.

• Compliance & Paperwork: Fill out essential service logs, maintain workplace safety, and follow "O" Licence requirements.

• Workshop Duties: Keep the garage environment clean and organized, manage spare parts, maintain issued tools and carry out regular equipment checks.

• Health & Safety: Adhere to site health and safety rules and regulations.

Training Requirements

• Day or Block Release: Spend designated days or week-long blocks at a training provider (e.g.  colleges) to achieve certifications like the Heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician standard.

• Hands-on Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced mechanics, gradually working from minor tasks (like fluid changes and part replacements) to complex, independent repairs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Requires a highly hands-on, physically demanding working style.

• Will involve working in and out of inspection pits, climbing onto large vehicle chassis, and occasionally attending roadside breakdowns.

We are Panda. We value waste.

We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.

At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.

We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward.

We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.

And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.

Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact.

Take the first step and join us on the journey.

Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
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