Motor vehicle breakdown engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course before applying for work as a trainee with a garage or breakdown company.

Relevant courses include:

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

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 can get into this career by completing a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 36 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become a breakdown engineer. You'll need experience and qualifications in motor vehicle maintenance and repair to do this.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with your hands
• problem-solving skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• 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 vehicle breakdown engineers help people whose vehicles have broken down.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• respond to breakdown calls from the control centre
• make sure the vehicle, driver and passengers are safe
• examine the vehicle to find and diagnose the fault
• carry out roadside repairs
• tow or transport the vehicle to a garage if major repair work is needed
• arrange transport for the driver of the broken down vehicle
• complete record sheets for each job

Location : You could work at a garage, from a vehicle or on call-out to wherever the car owner is.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager, or move into training.