Got the Experience? Get the Qualification with an NVQ

If you've been working as a mechanic or vehicle technician for years, you may have all the skills employers are looking for, but no formal qualification to prove it.

Whether you've learnt on the job, worked your way up through a garage, or simply never had the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship, you're not alone.

At S&B Automotive Academy, we help experienced technicians gain a nationally recognised automotive NVQ without having to go back into full-time education.

Discover our NVQs
  • Three workers in white protective suits, helmets, and gloves smiling and posing for a photo indoors.

    “The greatest strength of S&B is the team. Everyone I have met during my 3 years studying at the site has been generous with their time, knowledge and experience.

    I truly feel that everyone genuinely wants you to succeed. I have witnessed and experienced the team going beyond the call of duty to assist the learners on numerous occasions.”

  • Two men working on a car engine in a garage, one wearing glasses and a dark shirt, the other smiling and leaning over the open hood.

    “Amazing experience! So much knowledge to be absorbed, great place with top of the range facilities.

    Thanks to my teacher for some in depth one to one sessions which was a massive help and can't thank him enough.”

  • A woman with braided hair wearing gloves working on a car engine in a workshop.

    “My tutor was the friendliest, most approachable, knowledgeable and professional teacher I've ever had. Their guidance without doubt made the whole process pass much more smoothly and I can't thank him enough.

    I also would not hesitate to recommend this institution to anyone. Their facilities, staff and the location of the college are all superb, it's a brilliant place to learn.”


Person welding metal with a welding machine, sparks flying, wearing protective gear including a welding helmet, in a workshop or industrial setting.

What is an Automotive NVQ?

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a practical, work-based qualification that proves you're competent in your role.

Unlike classroom-based learning, an NVQ assesses the skills you already use every day.

It's ideal for experienced mechanics, technicians and workshop professionals who want to gain a recognised qualification while continuing to work.

Your qualification demonstrates to employers, customers and the wider industry that your skills meet nationally recognised standards.

Why Choose S&B automotive Academy?

For decades, S&B Automotive Academy has helped automotive professionals develop their careers through industry-recognised training and qualifications.

Our experienced assessors understand the realities of working in a busy workshop and make the assessment process as straightforward as possible by coming directly to you.

If you've got the experience but not the qualification, there's never been a better time to gain the recognition your skills deserve.

Industry-Experienced Trainers

Learn from professionals with real-world automotive industry knowledge and experience.

Icon of a crossed wrench and screwdriver, representing tools or maintenance.

Flexible Learning

Gain your qualification around your existing job and commitments.

A simple black and white outline drawing of a small, compact car with rounded edges and two doors.

Recognised Qualification

Achieve an industry-recognised NVQ that demonstrates your skills and expertise.

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Get Qualified on the Job

Turn the experience you've already gained in the workplace into a recognised qualification.

Who is an NVQ for?

Many excellent technicians entered the industry before apprenticeships became common, changed careers later in life, or learnt through years of hands-on experience.

You might already be:

  • Carrying out servicing and repairs independently

  • Diagnosing faults using modern diagnostic equipment

  • Completing MOT repairs

  • Working on electric or hybrid vehicles

  • Supervising junior technicians

If this sounds like you, an NVQ allows you to turn that experience into a recognised qualification.

Filters

Any questions?
we’ve got the answers…

  • People often confuse NVQs and apprenticeships, but they're designed for different stages of your career.

    Apprenticeships

    An apprenticeship is aimed at people who are new to the motor industry. Apprentices split their time between working and structured training, learning the skills they need from the ground up.

    Apprenticeships are usually funded through employers or government schemes and combine practical work with classroom learning over a number of years.

    NVQs

    An NVQ is designed for people who already have the skills.

    Instead of teaching you how to do the job, we assess your existing competence in your own workplace. There are no college days, no exams to revise for, and no need to start your career again.

    It's simply a way of gaining formal recognition for the experience you've already built.

  • At S&B Automotive Academy, we carry out assessments in your workplace, allowing you to continue working as normal.

    One of our qualified assessors will visit your garage for 10 full-day observations. During each visit they'll watch you carry out a wide range of real-world tasks, ask questions about your work, and gather evidence that demonstrates your competence.

    Because the assessment takes place over multiple visits, we can see you carrying out different jobs and ensure your qualification reflects the breadth of your skills.

    This thorough approach gives employers confidence that your qualification has been earned through genuine workplace competence.

  • Unlike many apprenticeships, an NVQ is a privately funded qualification.

    The cost varies depending on your location, as it covers the assessor's time and travel to your workplace throughout the assessment process.

    While there is a cost involved, many technicians see it as an investment in their future. A recognised qualification can help you:

    • Progress into senior technician or workshop management roles

    • Meet employer qualification requirements

    • Improve your career prospects

    • Demonstrate your professional competence

    • Increase confidence when applying for new positions

  • Our automotive NVQs are suitable for experienced professionals working in:

    • Independent garages

    • Main dealerships

    • Fleet maintenance

    • Commercial vehicle workshops

    • Specialist repair centres

    If you're already carrying out the work on a daily basis, there's a good chance you're ready to gain the qualification.

Ready to Get Qualified?

If you've been putting off getting your qualification because you thought you'd need to return to college, think again!

Our workplace-based automotive NVQs are designed around experienced technicians, allowing you to continue earning while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

Contact S&B Automotive Academy today to discuss which automotive NVQ is right for you and take the next step in your career.