Motor vehicle technicians service and repair cars, vans, motorbikes and larger vehicles such as lorries and coaches. They will usually work in one of four areas  – light vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles and auto electrics.

Across all four areas of work, motor vehicle technicians will:

• find and identify mechanical faults, often using electronic testing equipment
• advise the owner on the required repairs
• provide a time and cost estimate for the repairs
• carry out the necessary work, which could include replacing defective parts
• carry out routine servicing and checks.

Motor vehicle technicians will normally work on the mechanical parts of a vehicle such as the brakes, the engine or the gears. As vehicles become more sophisticated, technicians are becoming skilled in working with the technology used to control vehicle machinery. The specific tasks carried out by a motor vehicle technician will vary depending on the area of work.

Light vehicle technicians work mainly with cars and vans. They will usually work to the manufacturer’s guidelines when repairing a vehicle. Other tasks include tuning parts, MOT testing and fitting and servicing accessories, like radios and alarms.

Heavy vehicle technicians work on trucks, buses and coaches, earth-moving equipment, tractors, stationary engines (such as generators and pumps) and farm machinery. They often try to repair rather than replace parts as heavy vehicle components are expensive.

Motorcycle technicians examine, repair and maintain motorbikes and may also customise bikes to owners' specifications.

Auto electricians find and repair electrical faults in vehicles. See the separate job profile for Auto Electrician for further details.

Many technicians are also skilled in carrying out routine checks such as MOT tests and converting traditional engines to liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

Hours and Environment

Motor vehicle technicians work 40 hours a week, between Monday and Saturday. Overtime is often available. There may be shiftwork, including weekends, as some garages operate an on-call system. Some heavy vehicle garages only service vehicles at night.

As a motor vehicle technicial you will normally work with a range of hand and power tools, and electrical testing equipment to to repair and service engines and components. On modern light vehicles, this can include computerised fault-finding equipment which connects to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) to identify problems.

Working conditions in newer service centres will be relatively clean and spacious, whereas in older garages you may find conditions to be cramped and dirty. Some jobs can be physically demanding, although you will use lifting equipment and hoists to move heavy parts.

If you deal with breakdowns, you may have to travel long distances and work in all weather conditions. See the profile for Vehicle Breakdown Engineer for more details.

Skills and Interests

To be a motor vehicle technician, you need:

• an excellent knowledge of motor vehicle technology
• an aptitude for practical work
• good problem-solving skills to find faults
• the ability to work quickly and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work without supervision
• good communication skills
• the ability to follow written instructions
• a reasonable level of fitness, with normal colour vision
• an up-to-date knowledge of developments, especially new engine types and electronics
• an awareness of health and safety regulations.

Entry

You may be able to start training as an apprentice  technician in vehicle mechanics. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. Check manufacturers' websites for details. You may need some GCSEs/S grades for these schemes, including maths, English, science, engineering, IT, design and technology or appropriate equivalents. For more details about apprenticeships, see also, Carter and Carter or the Automotive Skills website below.

Another option open to all age groups is to take courses in automotive engineering, for example:

• City & Guilds Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (4101)
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Repair and Technology.

Please check with your local colleges for more details.

You normally need a driving licence appropriate to the class of vehicle you work with.

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

Training

The ever-changing technology in the car industry means that it is vital to continue training to keep your skills up to date.

Training is carried out on the job and normally leads to an Automotive NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 3, which has several optional pathways, depending on your job:

• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (options in light or heavy vehicles, motorcycles, auto electrics, electronics and security)
• Vehicle Fitting Operations (tyres and general fitting)
• Vehicle Body and Paint Operations (body repair and refinishing)
• Roadside Assistance and Recovery.

If you are an experienced technician, you can take a City & Guilds Certificate in Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Techniques (4121) at Level 4.

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.

If you are working in motorsport, the NVQ/SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2 contains units specifically designed for the role. For details about this field, contact the Motorsport Industry Association.

MOT testing
If you are an experienced mechanic, you can train to be an MOT tester (nominated tester) if you meet the following criteria:

• have at least four years' experience repairing the types of vehicle you wish to test
• are at least 20 years old and sponsored by your testing station
• have a full driving licence for the class(es) of vehicle (motorcycle) you wish to test
• have no 'unspent' convictions for criminal offences.

Additionally, you should hold an appropriate level 3 qualification. For example:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• SVQ Level 3 in Maintaining Automotive Vehicles
• City & Guilds Automotive Vehicle Servicing and Repair (4100/4101).

If you do not hold a relevant qualification, you must pass the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Nominated Tester Assessment examination. You must also complete a two-day VOSA training course, covering testing procedures and a practical demonstration test. For more details, contact VOSA in Further Information.

Air-conditioning
Forthcoming EU legislation is likely to include requirements that anyone installing or servicing air-conditioning units have to be qualified to a minimum level. At the moment, there are two stand-alone qualifications for vehicle technicians, which cover this possible requirement. These are:

• IMI Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Air Conditioning and Climate Control
• City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Mobile Air Conditioning Systems.

Contact the IMI and C&G for more details.

LPG conversions
There is increasing demand for engine conversions to LPG. To carry out conversions, you should be a qualified vehicle technician. Training centres will assess you before you start a training programme.

The Liquid Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA) operates the Approved Installer Scheme, which although voluntary, is recognised by the major LPG companies, government and insurers, as the surest indication of an installer’s competence in carrying out conversions. Many insurers will not offer car insurance unless an approved installer has carried it out.

For details about the scheme, LPG conversions and installer training providers, visit the LPGA website in Further Information.

Opportunities

There is a demand for trained motor vehicle technicians all over the UK.

You can work for garages, manufacturers' service centres, freight, transport and construction companies, vehicle hire and breakdown organisations, fast-fit outlets and car dealerships. Jobs also exist with other organisations such as local authorities, the police and taxi companies.

You may have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of mechanics, such as electrics, engine conversions or on a specific make of vehicle.

Your skills and experience can lead to promotion to senior technician, workshop supervisor and workshop manager. Other possibilities include working as a breakdown engineer or moving into automotive engineering. You can also become self-employed.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Motor vehicle technicians, apprentices and trainees' salaries are in line with payscales guided by the National Joint Council (NJC) of the Retail Motor Industry Federation.

Trainee technicians can expect to earn between £7,000 and £11,000, depending on age and the stage of training.
Average salaries for motor vehicle technicians are between £13,000 and £20,000.
Experienced technicians can earn up to £26,000 a year.

Further information

Tel: 0800 093 1777 Training Services
Berkeley House
Croydon Street
Bristol
BS5 0DA
Tel: 0870 606 0440 Tel: 020 7294 2800 Tel: 01992 511521