Motor mechanic

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course before applying for a trainee motor mechanic role with a garage.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
• Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

You could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing a course like:

• Level 3 Diploma in Auto-Electrical and Mobile Electrical Operations
• Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship.

This will usually take 2 to 3 years. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

You could also train as a vehicle mechanic in the British Army.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• observation and recording skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths

What you'll do:

Motor mechanics repair and service cars and vans.

As a motor mechanic, you could:

• find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
• advise customers on what repairs are needed, including cost
• repair or replace faulty parts and carry out regular maintenance
• test vehicles on the road to check repairs
• check stock levels and update vehicle service records
• work with high voltage batteries if you work on hybrid or electric vehicles

Location : You could work at a garage.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and physically active.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a senior technician, workshop supervisor, garage manager or MOT tester
• become a motor vehicle breakdown engineer , or specialise in an area such as motorsport engineering
• work on electric and hybrid cars or specialise in modifying vehicles
• set up your own business, train apprentices or become a further education teacher