Life in the fast lane as a motor mechanic
You’ll need: A Level 2 qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
A driving licence for road testing the vehicles you’ve repaired.
The most common way to get your Level 2 is through an apprenticeship in motor vehicle service and maintenance technician (light vehicle).
This will usually take around three years.
You’ll do on-the job-training and spend time in college. You could also take: A college course with one day a week on placement A full-time college course with practical exercises To get onto an apprenticeship or a course you’ll find it useful to have: GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English Work experience as a garage assistant A passion for the motor industry • • • • • •
A Level One course in light vehicle maintenance could also help you prepare for an apprenticeship or college course.
Autocity, run by The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has more information about careers in the motor vehicle industry. You’ll need: Customer service skills The ability to accurately follow written and spoken instructions Strong practical and problemsolving skills The ability to quickly grasp new vehicle technologies. You may work for an independent garage, or freight, transport and construction companies, fast-fit outlets and car dealerships. You may specialise in one particular make of vehicle.
Your day-to-day tasks may include: • Telling customers if repairs are needed and whether they’re urgent Working out the estimated time and cost for jobs Checking stock levels and ordering parts • •
• • • • • Carrying out standard servicing, repairs and maintenance Road testing vehicles to check repairs Fitting and servicing accessories like stereos and alarms The salary would start at around £18,000 leading up to £21,000 to £27,000 and £35,000.
You’ll usually work between 38 and 45 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. You may have to work shifts or work late to finish a job.
If your employer deals with breakdowns, you may be on call and have to travel long distances.
With experience, you could become a senior technician, workshop supervisor or garage manager.
You could work as a breakdown engineer or MOT tester, or specialise in a particular area like motorsport engineering.
You could also work on electric and hybrid cars, or specialise in tuning and modifying vehicles for higher performance or pursue a career as a cycle mechanic, construction plant mechanic, motorsport engineer. • •