Motor vehicle breakdown engineers, also known as roadside recovery or assistance technicians, attend to people whose vehicles have broken down during a journey or failed to start before setting off.

Their work starts when a vehicle owner notifies an emergency call centre, who in turn contact the breakdown engineer, passing on relevant information, such as the location of the vehicle and the nature of the fault.

On arrival, the breakdown engineer examines the vehicle, asks the motorist for a description of what happened and attempts to find the fault. If possible, they carry out repairs at the roadside. If major repair work is needed, they tow or transport the vehicle to a garage, or arrange this on behalf of the motorist.

Motor vehicle breakdown engineers work on patrols and carry spare engine parts, a battery charger and full tool kit, which they use to check for mechanical, electrical or electronic faults. Breakdown engineers may use computer fault-finding equipment as part of their job. They also keep administrative records for each job they attend.

Hours and Environment

Motor vehicle breakdown engineers usually work a 24-hour shift system, including weekends. Overtime is often available.

As a breakdown engineer, you drive and work outdoors in all weather conditions. You normally wear protective overalls and high-visibility clothing.

Skills and Interests

As a motor vehicle breakdown engineer, you need:

• a thorough technical knowledge of vehicle models
• excellent practical skills
• good driving skills 
• good customer care skills
• the ability to remain calm in difficult circumstances 
• the ability to work alone
• an awareness of health and safety issues
• some basic computer skills. 

Entry

You normally move into this kind of work with a background as a motor vehicle technician. Breakdown companies often look for a minimum of three years’ experience as a technician. For more details about relevant training and qualifications, see the profile for Motor Vehicle Technician.

You may be able to move into this role after completing an apprenticeship with a vehicle breakdown company, dealership or garage. For more details about apprenticeships, see Carter and Carter or the Automotive Skills website below.

For some jobs, you may need to take an aptitude test, driving assessment and medical examination. A driving licence is essential, and for some work, you may need an LGV licence.

For details about careers and training in this field, contact Automotive Skills and the Institute of the Motor Industry in Further Information.

Training

You normally start work with a breakdown organisation by going onto their own training scheme. This will include customer care, improving existing skills to meet company standards, road safety and use of communications equipment. Your company will normally offer ongoing training updates.

Once you are working in this role, you can take the NVQ/SVQ in Roadside Assistance and Recovery at levels 2 and 3. There is also a Certificate in Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Techniques (4121) at Level 4, if you are an experienced technician.

The Institute of the Motor Industry offers details about Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). This is a voluntary programme backed by the automotive industry and designed to enhance a technician's career prospects. It has three levels: Service Maintenance Technician; Diagnostic Technician; and Master Technician. Each level has a series of practical exams and online knowledge tests.

Opportunities

Motor vehicle breakdown engineers work for companies offering vehicle breakdown and recovery services all over the UK. Some companies contract or franchise garages to provide breakdown services, so similar patrol work may be available with local garages.

As an experienced breakdown engineer, there may be opportunities for promotion to supervisory, managerial or training posts.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New breakdown engineers earn between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
Experienced engineers can earn between £17,000 and £26,000 a year.

Additional payments for shifts and overtime can increase income.

Further information

Tel: 01992 511521 Tel: 0800 093 1777