Motor vehicle fitter

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 to get some of the skills needed for this job.

Courses include:

• vehicle fitting principles
• specialist tyre fitting competence
• vehicle technology
• vehicle maintenance

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an Autocare Technician Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs as a vehicle fitter if you've got qualifications and experience in motor mechanics.

You'll find vacancies in fast fit centres, garages and dealerships.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• customer service skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be flexible and open to change
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to sell products and services
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• business management skills
• knowledge of maths
• observation and recording skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• a desire to help people
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Motor vehicle fitters repair and replace worn or damaged tyres, exhausts, batteries and parts.

As a motor vehicle fitter, you could:

• check batteries, lights, exhausts, tyres, brakes and suspension
• repair or replace faulty parts
• test hybrid and electric vehicle systems
• repair or replace windscreens and glazing
• advise customers on vehicle care

Location : You could work at a garage or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £30,000

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 fast fit workshop supervisor or service centre manager.

You could also work in:

• breakdown and recovery services
• vehicle parts sales
• general motor mechanics
• automotive training