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Auto electrician

Alternative titles for this job include Mechanical and electrical trim technician (MET)

Auto electricians fit, service and repair the electrical systems in motor vehicles.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a vehicle maintenance course that also covers auto electrical work. Courses like this could help you find a trainee position. They include:

  • light vehicle maintenance and repair
  • auto electrical and mobile electrical operations
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Vehicle Damage, Mechanical, Electrical and Trim Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and learning off-site.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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.

Experience of working with hybrid and electric vehicles will be useful.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the automotive industry from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with others
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an auto electrician, you could:

  • take readings, using a laptop or device connected to an engine's electronic control unit
  • inspect and test wiring and electrical systems in vehicles
  • find and fix faults
  • refer to manufacturers' circuit diagrams and manuals
  • fit new electrical parts to vehicles
  • work on hybrid and electrical vehicle systems
  • fill out repair sheets for customers, listing the work you have done

Working environment

You could work at a garage or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could become:

  • a workshop controller or manager
  • an automotive or motorsport engineer
  • a skills trainer

You might also start your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Vehicle Technician

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Harlow

Service Technician Mechanic Apprentice

  • Wage: £17,667 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 Ongar Road, Hook End, Ongar
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Principles Diploma Level 3

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Manchester

Light Vehicle Maintenance

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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