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Auto electrician

Alternative titles for this job include

Auto electricians fit and repair the electrics in motor vehicles.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£37,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

How to become

How to become an auto electrician

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a vehicle maintenance and repair course that also covers auto electrical work. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
  • Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence
  • Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through the following apprenticeships:

  • advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician
  • advanced vehicle damage, mechanical, electrical and trim technician

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs as an auto electrician if you've got qualifications and experience in motor mechanics.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an auto electrician from Autocity.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of maths
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • problem-solving skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence, which might include LGV (lorries) or PCV (buses), depending on the vehicles you work with.

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • take readings, using a laptop or hand-held device connected to an engine's electronic control unit
  • check and test wiring and parts in older vehicles using portable instruments
  • use readings to find faults
  • research faults, using manufacturers' circuit diagrams and manuals
  • repair or replace faulty parts
  • retest the system to make sure everything is working correctly and safely - this may include road testing the vehicle
  • fill out a repair sheet listing the work you have done

Working environment

You could work at a garage or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or manager, or move into vehicle sales or marketing.

You could also set up your own business.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Motor Vehicle and Maintenance Technician

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Middlesbrough

Hyundai Apprentice Technician

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Bolton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Vehicle Maintenance

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Hull

Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance

  • Provider: TOR BRIDGE HIGH
  • Start date: 02 September 2021
  • Location: Plymouth
Find courses near you

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