Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true — but as an apprentice with Peugeot you really do get the best of both worlds.

Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn while you learn.
If you have the dedication to succeed in the world of work, and you're not afraid to commit yourself to one, two or three years of training and study, then an Apprenticeship with Peugeot could be for you.

Demand for places on the Peugeot Apprenticeship Programme is high, so if you’re considering your options, and need to discuss what could be on offer why not give us a call or pop into your local Connexions office and speak to an advisor about what apprenticeships can offer.
Apprenticeships are not for everyone. First you’ll need to decide which career path suits you best. You’ll then need to decide whether you can handle working for a Peugeot dealer, and then studying for a qualification at the same time at one of our Peugeot training centres situated across the country.

If you have the determination to do well in the world of work, and you're not afraid to commit yourself to long term training and studying (up to three years!), then an Apprenticeship with Peugeot could be for you.

You'll need to think carefully about your career path, and the field of work in which you want to train as there are many options available in the retail automotive industry.
The right type of job role for you depends upon:

• your personality
• your interests and hobbies
• your talents and skills

Qualities you need and what to expect

To do well on an Apprenticeship with Peugeot, you need to be focused on the career you want. You also need to be prepared to work hard to get it. You might have to commit yourself to three years of training and further study, depending on what you decide to do.

To get on an Apprenticeship, you’ll have to show you’re serious, committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the Peugeot dealer who may employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and as an individual, and be able to use your own initiative in putting your skills to good use.

Is an Apprenticeship with Peugeot right for you?
It can be demanding, but they can also be very, very rewarding. This is especially the case if you enjoy working in a high energy and team orientated environment.
You must complete your Apprenticeship to get your qualification, so you need to make sure that you're serious about your chosen career from the start.
Don’t forget though, while you are learning new exciting skills you will be a fully paid employee working your way up to become fully qualified in your chosen career path with your employing Peugeot dealer.
There are different types of Apprenticeship available with Peugeot. Which Apprenticeship is right for you will depend on your experience and the opportunities in your area.
You can choose from:

• Light Vehicle Technician
• Parts Operations
• Body Repair
• Paint and Refinishing
• Service Advisor

The time to complete an apprenticeship depends on the role. That’s because each one is different and demands different skills and levels of training and experience.
How fast it goes also depends on the ability of the apprentice and the employer's requirements. So if you prove yourself and give 100% you may qualify earlier!

What to expect

Once a job starts after the recruitment and selection process, you will agree a learning plan with your employer and Peugeot Apprenticeships. The Dealer and Peugeot Apprenticeships, with the help of the Learning and Skills Council, will put together a good quality training programme for you. We will also provide a safe training environment and work together with the employing dealer so that you can get your qualifications.

During the apprenticeship with Peugeot you will have the support from your dedicated assessor and training instructor. Every 8-12 weeks your assessor will visit you at your place of work to monitor your progress and have a detailed discussion with you and your manager on your current performance and progression of your qualification. Also during this visit your assessor will carry out observations of you doing set tasks based on real customers work. These observations will then be used for your portfolio to build up evidence showing your level of skills in carrying out your work. Your training instructor will also carry out one to one reviews with you after each training block to ensure that you are on target for completing your qualification and also to make sure that you don’t have any problems at work or college which may affect your progression.

What’s expected of you?

You have to show dedication and a professional attitude. You will be expected to keep to normal working hours with your employer to earn your wages. You'll also need to concentrate when you are given on-the-job training. This allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), and you must ensure that you fill in all the relevant paperwork for this. This is given to you through your assessor who will also coach you to complete your qualification.
You’re also expected to spend time with Peugeot Apprenticeships, usually on a residential basis, to gain Key Skills, and to study for a technical certificate.
You need a lot of commitment to work all week and study on top of this. It can be hard, but it can be very rewarding. But remember, you will be with your group of apprentices so you can all work as a close team to support each other.

How work and study are divided up

Your balance of work and study depends on the type of Apprenticeship you do. On the Peugeot Apprenticeship Programme you will spend between 16-21 weeks away on training over 2-3 years. The rest of the time you will be working at your employing dealer as an integral part of the team.
At the training centre you will gain Key Skills that will be useful on the job. For example, communicating with customers, completing detailed reports for the customer’s vehicles, working volumes and ratios and taking stock in the parts department. 
The Key Skills include things like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technologies. You’ll also be studying for a technical certificate, which will give you the required knowledge and understanding of your job.
Sometimes, you may have to study at home during evenings and weekends to complete assignments or Key Skills. The amount of time you'll spend studying varies. During your weeks training it is great fun to get together with your group in the evenings to work through assignment work together as this is where so really good ideas come out.
Paid leave or holiday
Like other employees, you’ll be given at least 20 days paid holiday per year. On top of that, you also get bank holidays.
The exact details of your allowed holiday time will be written down in your terms of employment or training agreement. Your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked.
By the end of your Apprenticeship, you will have been assessed in several ways by your employer and Peugeot Apprenticeships.
The final award for completing the apprenticeship consists of a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) that you complete through gaining experience and providing evidence at your place of work. A Technical Certificate which is completed during your training to give you the required knowledge of your chosen career. Then Key Skills which provide you with the basic skills to operate in the world of work confidently. Throughout this qualification you will be assessed and tested to ensure that you are meeting the required standard.

How do NVQs compare to other qualifications?

There are five levels of NVQ:

• Level 1 = 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
• Level 2 = 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
• Level 3 = 2 A levels/1 vocational A level
• Level 4/5 = HNC, HND and degree level