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Motor mechanic

Alternative titles for this job include Light vehicle service technician, car mechanic

Motor mechanics repair and service cars and vans.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a motor mechanic

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

You could take a college course before applying for work as a trainee with a garage.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Technology
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

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
  • 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 can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship as a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician.

This will usually take 2 to 3 years. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

You could also train as a vehicle mechanic in the British Army.

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

More Information

Career tips

It will help if you have enthusiasm for the motor industry and enjoy repairing cars. A knowledge of different makes and models can also be useful.

Further information

You can find more details about working and training as a mechanic from Autocity.

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 work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

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 a motor mechanic, you'll:

  • talk to customers about their vehicle's problems
  • find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
  • advise customers on what repairs are needed
  • estimate time and costs for jobs
  • repair and replace faulty parts
  • road test vehicles to check repairs
  • carry out scheduled servicing and maintenance
  • fit accessories like stereos and alarms
  • check stock levels and parts
  • update vehicle service records

Working environment

You could work at a garage.

Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and physically active.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

You could also train apprentices, teach in a further education college or set up your own business.

Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Service Technician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Banbury

Motor Vehicle Apprentice

  • Wage: To be agreed upon appointment Unspecified
  • Location: Wigan
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Motor Vehicle L3 (Light Vehicle Maintenance)

  • Provider: NELSON AND COLNE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2022
  • Location: Accrington

CG L2 CERT LIGHT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

  • Provider: TEC PARTNERSHIP
  • Start date: 10 October 2021
  • Location: Skegness
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