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Auto electrician

Auto electricians fit and repair the electrics in motor vehicles.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

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 1 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
  • Level 1 Award in Motor Vehicle Studies
  • Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
  • Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course

More information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through an intermediate apprenticeship in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

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
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • 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

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • taking readings, using a laptop or hand-held device connected to an engine's electronic control unit
  • checking and testing wiring and parts in older vehicles using portable instruments
  • using readings to find faults
  • researching faults, using manufacturers' circuit diagrams and manuals
  • repairing or replacing faulty parts
  • retesting the system to make sure everything is working correctly and safely (this may include road testing the vehicle)
  • filling 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

With experience, you could progress to be a supervisor or manager, or move into vehicle sales or marketing.

You could also set up your own business.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Light Vehicle Apprenticeship

  • Wage : £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Bristol BS5 6SA

Volvo Cars Service Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage : £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Yeovil BA21 4EH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance (Maintenance, Diploma, Motor Vehicle, Service, Repair )

  • Provider: Barking & Dagenham College
  • Start date: 04 September 2019
  • Location: Romford

Vehicle Maintenance - Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles - Level 3

  • Provider: EAST KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: Folkestone
Find courses near you

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