Apprentice Mechanic
Panda
Apprentice HGV Mechanic
Location: Leeds
Apprenticeship: Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Qualification
Reporting to: Workshop Manager / Lead Mechanic
About the Role
We are looking for an Apprentice HGV Mechanic to join our workshop team and build a career in heavy vehicle maintenance.
This is a hands-on apprenticeship role combining practical workshop experience with formal classroom or block-release training. You will learn how to inspect, service, diagnose and repair commercial heavy goods vehicles and trailers while working towards a recognised Heavy Vehicle Maintenance qualification.
The Apprentice HGV Mechanic role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical work, has a strong interest in vehicles and engineering, and is keen to learn from experienced mechanics in a busy operational environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will support the workshop team while learning how to:
- Carry out routine safety checks, inspections, servicing and basic maintenance on HGVs and trailers
- Support vehicle roadworthiness standards in line with legal, DVSA and operator licence requirements
- Use specialist diagnostic equipment to help identify electrical, mechanical and hydraulic faults
- Assist qualified technicians with repairs to key vehicle systems including engines, transmissions, steering, air brakes and suspension
- Help replace, repair and maintain vehicle components under supervision
- Complete service records, job cards and basic maintenance paperwork accurately
- Keep the workshop, inspection areas, tools and equipment clean, safe and organised
- Support parts control, equipment checks and general workshop duties
- Follow all site health and safety rules, safe working practices and company procedures
As an Apprentice HGV Mechanic, you will receive structured support both on the job and through formal training.
This may include:
- Day release or block-release study with a training provider or college
- Working towards a Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician standard or equivalent qualification
- Shadowing experienced mechanics and gradually building your technical skills
- Starting with basic tasks such as fluid checks, servicing support and component replacement
- Progressing towards more complex diagnostics, repairs and independent maintenance work as your confidence and ability develops
We are looking for someone who is:
- Interested in HGVs, mechanics, engineering or vehicle maintenance
- Practical, hands-on and willing to learn
- Reliable, punctual and able to follow instructions
- Safety-conscious with good attention to detail
- Comfortable working as part of a team in a busy workshop environment
- Willing to attend college or training provider sessions as part of the apprenticeship
- Able to work in a physically demanding role, including working around large vehicles, inspection pits and workshop equipment
Working Environment
This is a practical workshop-based role. The work can be physically demanding and may involve working in and around inspection pits, climbing onto large vehicle chassis, using tools and equipment, and supporting breakdown-related work where required.
Why Join Us?
This is a great opportunity to start your career as an Apprentice HGV Mechanic in a real operational environment where you will gain valuable experience, structured training and support from experienced technicians.
You will learn the skills needed to maintain essential commercial vehicles and build a strong foundation for a long-term career in heavy vehicle maintenance.
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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