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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

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Motor mechanic

You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.

College

You could take a college course before applying for a trainee motor mechanic role with a garage.

Relevant courses include:

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

You could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing a course like:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Auto-Electrical and Mobile Electrical Operations
  • Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement

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 could do an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship.

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 are interested in the motor industry and enjoy fixing cars. It can also be useful to have a knowledge of different makes and models.

Further information

You can find out more 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 could:

  • find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
  • advise customers on what repairs are needed, including cost
  • repair or replace faulty parts and carry out regular maintenance
  • test vehicles on the road to check repairs
  • check stock levels and update vehicle service records
  • work with high voltage batteries if you work on hybrid or electric vehicles

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:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Vehicle Technician

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Harlow

Service Technician Mechanic Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,976 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 Ongar Road, Hook End, Ongar
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Light Vehicle Maintenance

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull

Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Daventry
Find courses near you

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