FAQs and Useful Information

Frequently asked questions…
How can I apply for an apprenticeship with Mercedes-Benz?

You can apply for an apprenticeship with Mercedes-Benz by clicking on the link and searching for vacancies that are currently available within your local area. Once you have found a vacancy, you will need to submit an application online in order to be considered.

How do I apply for an Apprenticeship in Scotland or Wales?

Please contact Remit Training to enquire about Apprenticeships in Scotland and Wales.

Where can I find out more about apprenticeships and careers with the automotive industry?

We have provided a number of links to sources of information both about apprenticeships in general and specific information about the various career options throughout the motor industry, not just within Mercedes-Benz. Check out the links below this FAQ section.

How do I know which apprenticeship I should apply for?

If you have an interest in retail and customer service, or have experience in either of these areas then the Retail Parts Advisor apprenticeship or the Customer Service Expert apprenticeship could be the one for you. If you prefer to be more hands-on and are mechanically minded, then the Light Vehicle Technician apprenticeship or the Heavy Vehicle Technician apprenticeship could be your best option.

When I type in my postcode and select the number of miles I am willing to travel, why does nothing come up?

It may be that within your local area, there are not currently any vacancies available. Monitor the website regularly to ensure you do not miss an opportunity, as we will be adding vacancies throughout the year.

How do I know that I will be treated fairly?

Mercedes-Benz is committed to a policy of equality and diversity. The motor trade is one in which females are particularly underrepresented with under 2.5% of annual recruitment being made up of females. Around 5.7% of our Apprentice Academy intake last year was female and we are striving to promote the motor trade to a new generation of young female learners to try and raise the female representation.

Once I have submitted my application, what happens next?

You will receive an email confirming that we have your application and that a member of the recruitment team will endeavour to contact you within 3 weeks of the closing date of the vacancy that you have applied for.

You may be asked to participate in a telephone interview so please ensure you monitor your emails regularly and research the role thoroughly beforehand.  

Do I have to go through many stages before I get a final decision on my application?

If you are successful after submitting your application, you will be invited to take part in a telephone interview. Provided you reach the next stage(s), you may be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at the dealership and asked to complete some online assessments before any decision is made. Some interviews may be held virtually.

What do the online assessments involve?

The online assessments consist of a series of short, multiple choice aptitude tests.

How do I know that I will receive the best training and development?

The Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Programme has been running since 1995 and we have had over 1,500 learners graduate. This 91% achievement rate compared to the National average of 76%. In addition, we have received a Grade 1 Outcomes for Learners from Ofsted.

How long does the apprenticeship last for?

All of our apprenticeship programmes last for 3 years, except for the Customer Service Expert programme which lasts 2 years.

If I am successful, when will I start my apprenticeship?

Our apprenticeship programmes begin in September every year.

Where does my training take place and how often?

Your off-the-job training will take place at our Mercedes-Benz academy which is based in Milton Keynes. You will be invited to attend 1 week of block training at the academy, every 6-8 weeks (approximately).

As you will be required to attend the academy for the duration of the week's training, you will be provided with accomodation, transport and food and drink during your stay. The rest of your time will be spent working at your local dealership as per the vacancy that you applied for.      

Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, most off-the-job training is taking place virtually to ensure your safety and that of our trainers.

What are hours and days that I will be required to work?

You will be asked to work anywhere between 35-40 hours a week and your employer will be able to provide you with further details on this.

What is the apprentice wage?

Please refer to the Government website for more details on wages: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Will I get a job at the end of my training?

Any sector will experience movement of people in and out of jobs and this can be due to factors outside of our control, however, we achieve a very high retention rate of 70% of apprentices still within the industry after 10 years of service.

What sort of jobs can I expect to progress to once I have completed my apprenticeship?

The automotive sector encompasses many different disciplines and literally the sky's the limit for anyone who is willing to develop their skills and to gain the knowledge required.                

Each of the job descriptions on this website, details possible career opportunities.  https://mercedes-benztraining.co.uk/mercedes-benz-academy-programme.aspx

What recognition has the programme received?

The Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Programme was awarded the Top Employer Award at the AllAboutSchoolLeavers Awards as well as also winning the Best Training and Development, Best for Career Progression, Best Employer; Engineering and Best Advanced Apprenticeship awards. All of these awards were voted for by school leavers, trainees and apprentices.

Further recognition was gained when the programme was awarded the National Apprenticeship Award for Large Employer of the Year, after also winning the East Midlands Large Employer of the Year category.

In addition to this the Training and Development Centre was awarded the IMI Outstanding Achievers Award for the Approved Centre of the Year, specifically for the adult Technical Training and Apprentice Academy.

What information will I need to make an application?

In addition to personal details, you will also need to be able to evidence your GCSE grades or predicted grades.  Please ensure you have this information to hand when you are ready to start your application.

You will also need to answer some questions about yourself.  Please feel free to make notes in advance of starting the application, about your skills, experience, interests and hobbies.

What happens if I run out of time when writing my application?

When you start the application you will be asked to create a password for your account.  Make sure you make a note of this.  You can save your application and log back in at a later time using the password to continue working on your application.

How do I write an application?

We have put together a short video with hints and tips which might be helpful to you.  This is located on the 'apply now' section of the website.

You should think about the skills you have that might be beneficial to this role.  Think about any employment experience you have and how that demonstrates your skills.  You might want to write some notes about these things to have to hand before you start writing your application.

Where can I get help writing an application?

The following links might be useful to you if you require some assistance writing an application:

https://www.remploy.co.uk/

https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-help-applying-for-jobs/sixth-form/

https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Document_Get-Hired-Booklet.pdf

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/application-forms

 

If you require support with any stage of the application process please email apprentice_access@daimler.com stating ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ in the title of your email.

 

What do I do if I need support at an interview?

If you require adjustments to support you at the interview stage, please ensure you answer yes and provide details when asked in the Equality and Diversity section of the application.