Apprenticeships

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Apply?

You will need three GCSEs at Grade D or above in any subject (or equivalent) to apply. Honda dealers are equal opportunities employers. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified people regardless of age, race, gender, martial status, disability or sexual orientation.

What is the Application Process?

Once an application form has been submitted the candidate will be screened against our minimum criteria and matched to any suitable opportunities in the area local to the candidate’s home.

In the event that the candidate does not meet the minimum criteria a rejection letter will be received within 28 days of receipt of the application form.

If the candidate meets the minimum criteria there are two possible outcomes. Firstly, the candidate will be put forward for a current opportunity. Secondly, the candidate will be placed on our database for a period of two years until a suitable opportunity arises. The candidate will be notified in writing of the progress of the application.

What is Block Training?

Block training means apprentices attend their off the job training element of their programme at the Honda Institute near Slough for one week, from two upto eight times per year. The number of weeks will depend on the programme the apprentice is following.

The key benefit of block training is that apprentices get a concentrated learning experience in the purpose built Honda Institute Technical Training Centre. The key benefit of block training means that an apprentice will be able to perform many more tasks effectively on returning to the dealership.

Where do Apprentices Stay at Block Training?

Apprentices have two options during block trading, they can either commute or they can stay at a hotel near to the Honda Institute with their fellow apprentices. Hotel accommodation is arranged by the Honda Apprenticeship Programme in authorised hotels only.

Separate accommodation is made available for females and those with disabilities.

Special dietry requirements are not a problem during block training. Food can be provided to suite your requirements.

Arrival can either be on the Sunday evening prior to the Monday that the training starts or on the Monday morning depending upon the distance needing to be travelled. Apprentices will return home on the following Friday afternoon.

What Happens if the Apprentice has a Problem at Block Training?

There is always a duty trainer available for apprentices attending block training. Both the hotel and the apprentices have contact numbers for the duty trainer in the event of an emergency.

How is Apprentice Behaviour Controlled?

There is an explicit code of conduct for Honda Apprentices, as well as a document detailing instructions and information regarding staying at hotels during block training.

How do Apprentices Travel to the Honda Institute?

It is the responsibility of the dealership to arrange transport to the Honda Institute for apprentices. This can be by car, bus, train or aeroplane depending upon the distance to be travelled.

Transport between the hotel and the training centre is by mini bus and is arranged by the Honda Apprenticeship Programme.

How Much does the Training Cost?

Honda Apprenticeship training is funded by the Government, the Honda Dealership and by Honda UK.

Apprentices earn a salary during their apprenticeship and do not have to pay anything towards their training costs, including hotel and travel for block training.

Minimum rates of pay for Honda Apprentices are set by the Honda Institute and it is the responsibility of the Honda Dealership to ensure the apprentice is paid at least the minimum rate of pay.

The Honda Dealership also pays for the hotel, transport and subsistence costs while at block training.

How Long is the Honda Apprenticeship Programme?

The length of each programme depends upon the type of Apprenticeship pathway chosen. Please refer to the detail in the relevant pages of this website for further information.

How are Apprentices Supported?

At the start of the Honda Apprenticeship Programme, each apprentice is assigned a Honda Apprentice & Technician Development Manager and a Workplace Mentor.

The Honda Apprentice & Technician Development Manager visits the Apprentice’s Dealership regularly in order to work with the dealer management to ensure that learning aims are achieved on a timely basis and that the individual apprentice achieves their goals. The Honda Apprentice & Technician Development Manager and the Apprenitce Trainer are always available for Apprenitces to provide support whenever necessary.