From apprentice to asset: how AI-powered learner logs support skill growth in the garage
In a busy automotive garage in Wales, Eira, a 21-year-old apprentice mechanic, starts her day with her sleeves rolled up and her phone tucked into the side pocket of her boiler suit. She's halfway through her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, and her garage is starting to see something new: electric vehicles pulling into the bay almost every week.
Eira's been trained on internal combustion engines since day one—but now, she's having to adapt fast. EVs don't follow the same rules. Servicing them means learning entirely new safety protocols, isolation procedures, and diagnostics. And while her coursework covered the theory, it's in the practical, on-the-job moments that the real learning happens.
That's where Surge9's learner log changes everything.
Practical training deserves smarter tools
Like all apprenticeships in the UK, Eira's program requires her to maintain a log of the practical portion of her training—evidence of the work she's done, the competencies she's developing, and how she's applying what she's learned. Traditionally, this means time-consuming paperwork, signed job sheets, and reflective journals—things that often fall behind during a packed work week.
But Surge9 flips that model on its head.
Instead of filling out forms after her shift, Eira records a quick voice or video note on her phone—just a few thoughts after completing a job. It might be about troubleshooting a battery heating issue on a hybrid, or what surprised her during her first EV brake regen test.
The AI engine inside Surge9 transcribes and structures her entry, tagging it to relevant skills and competencies. It links her log to modules she's already completed and suggests ones she may need next. Over time, this becomes a living portfolio of her practical learning, updated in real time.
No more chasing signatures. No more lost reflections. No more guessing at what counts as evidence.
Supporting a new generation of technicians
For apprentices like Eira, practical training isn't just where skills are tested—it's where identity is formed. She's not just learning how to service a vehicle; she's learning how to think like a technician, how to troubleshoot under pressure, and how to navigate the constant evolution of automotive technology.
The learner log becomes a trusted companion in that journey. When an EV rolls in with a problem she hasn't seen before, she can review her past entries on related cases, watch a quick refresher, and even document how she approached the unfamiliar situation. Her log becomes a mirror of her growth—showing not just what she's done, but how she's thinking and improving.
Meeting apprenticeship requirements without the admin overload
From a compliance perspective, the learner log is a game-changer for apprenticeship programs. It provides detailed, time-stamped records of practical activities—mapped to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) required by the apprenticeship standard.
Mentors can easily review and sign off on entries, offering feedback or linking to additional learning. Assessors have everything they need to track progression and verify evidence—no binders, no spreadsheets, no chasing paperwork.
It's not just easier. It's better.
Eira's edge in the EV era
As more EVs roll into the garage, Eira isn't caught off guard. Her log captures the complexity of real jobs—like diagnosing a charging fault on a Vauxhall Corsa-e, or following the high-voltage safety protocol to the letter. These are moments where knowledge meets judgment, and Surge9 ensures those moments don't get lost.
In fact, the platform can automatically identify that Eira is logging more EV-related cases and suggest she pursue early certification or even prep for a specialist role. It's not just recording her training. It's amplifying her potential.
A new standard for the practical phase
Apprenticeship training has always included a practical phase—but until now, it's lacked a truly effective way to capture, reflect on, and grow from those experiences. Surge9's learner log redefines what's possible.
For the apprentice: It's a faster, smarter way to track progress, build confidence, and accelerate learning on the job.
For the garage: It's a clearer picture of how each learner is developing—plus stronger evidence for OEMs and training bodies.
For the industry: It's a scalable way to modernize apprenticeship training in an era of rapid technological change.
Eira is logging tasks. But more importantly, she's logging transformation. And in an industry that's shifting gears fast—toward EVs, automation, and smarter service—tools like Surge9 are helping apprentices keep up, stand out, and grow into the expert technicians the future demands.
Transform apprenticeship training with AI
See how Surge9's learner log helps apprentices capture real learning, track progress, and meet compliance requirements effortlessly.