Motorcycle mechanic

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence

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

Apprenticeship

You can complete an advanced apprenticeship as a motorcycle technician.

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

Entry requirements:

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

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to contact a local workshop or garage for work experience.

You can also volunteer to work at road racing or motocross events organised by Auto-Cycle Union and AMCA .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to employers if you've got some experience of mechanical engineering or repairing vehicles.

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
• the ability to work well with your hands
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of physics
• customer service skills
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent verbal communication skills
• problem-solving skills
• analytical thinking skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

What you'll do:

Motorcycle mechanics service and repair motorbikes, scooters and quad bikes.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• carry out maintenance checks
• diagnose mechanical and electrical faults
• repair faults and road test motorcycles
• strip, rebuild and tune engines
• advise customers on repair times and costs
• update repair and service records
• customise motorcycles to match customers' needs

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

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

You could become a motorcycle diagnostic technician, workshop manager or train for a career as a motorcycle MOT examiner.

You could also start your own sales and repair business or specialise in customised bike building.