Your questions  - Get all the answers

Am I eligible to join the Kia Apprenticeship Programme?
There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships, although we prefer applicants to have 3 GCSE passes at grade “C” or above. You need to be aged 16-24 and not taking part in full-time education.

What happens in the application process?
Our selection process is just like any other job application process. You will be interviewed and asked to take tests to see if you have the right attitudes and attributes for a successful career in the motor industry.

Are there different types of Apprenticeship?
Currently only Motor Vehicle Technician Apprenticeships are available on the Kia Programme. If you are interested in either Vehicle Body Repairer, Vehicle Refinisher or Parts Apprenticeships please email info@skillnet.org.uk

All Kia Apprenticeships include the following basic elements:

• An appropriate National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 2 and Level 3;
• Key Skills qualifications, e.g. working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology;
• A technical certificate awarded by officially recognised awarding bodies such as the IMI (Institute of Motor Industry)
  

How long does an Apprenticeship take?
Kia apprentices take 36 months to complete an Advanced Apprenticeship. The length of time will depend on your ability but all Apprenticeships require a large degree of commitment on your part, to see it through.

How do Apprenticeships work?
Your employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). You'll also spend time at the Kia Academy Training Centre gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. In addition, you'll study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. Usually you will attend the Kia Academy Training Centre in blocks of one week at a time, for up to 6 weeks a year.

How much do I get paid?
It's difficult to say and depends on your employer. We will advise them and you on rates for new Apprentices but it's often no less than other new entrants to work. Kia dealerships will make sure that they can provide you with a safe work place and that they will support you in gaining your qualification.

What sort of person is accepted on an Apprenticeship?
Applicants need to be:

• Serious
• Committed
• Able to show that you have fully researched the area of work you want to do, and you're the right person for the job
• Aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you
• Prepared for further study
• Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do
• Happy to work as both part of a team and an individual able to use your own initiative
  

Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It's not just a question of seeing what is out there and then selecting a career path. It helps if you are focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply.

Do I get holidays?
Like many other employees, you will receive at least 20 days holiday per year (and bank holidays). Your individual entitlement will be detailed in your terms of employment or training agreement. Just like any other job, your employer will have rules about how far in advance holidays need to be booked, and times of the year when holidays cannot be taken.

What qualifications do I get when I've finished my Apprenticeship?
You'll get a package of qualifications when you finish your Apprenticeship - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a technical certificate and Key Skills qualifications. Apprenticeships lead to an NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3. Additionally you will achieve a level 1 ATA award.

How do NVQs relate 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