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Motor vehicle technician
Hours
40 per week
Starting salary
£15,000 + per year
If you love cars and enjoy fixing things, this could be a great career for you.
Motor vehicle technicians repair and service cars, vans, motorbikes, lorries and coaches. They work on all vehicle mechanics and electrics, from engines and exhaust systems to air-conditioning and security.
The most common way to become a motor vehicle technician is through an apprenticeship in vehicle mechanics. To get onto a scheme, you may need GCSEs in maths, English and science. Another way is to take an automotive course at college to learn some of the skills needed for the job.
To become a motor vehicle technician you will need to have strong practical skills. You’ll need to be good at problem-solving and finding faults. And you’ll also need to be a good with people and have great customer service skills.
WorkDesc
The work
As a motor vehicle technician, your work would include:
- finding faults
- telling customers if repairs are needed and how important they are
- working out the estimated time and cost for jobs
- carrying out repairs and replacing damaged parts
- road testing the vehicle to check the repair work
- fitting and servicing accessories like radios and alarms
- carrying out standard servicing and checks.
As an experienced technician, you could carry out MOT tests or convert standard engines to liquid petroleum gas (LPG). You might also do work like customising vehicles for their owners.
You could specialise in repairing the technology used to control vehicle systems.
Please see the auto electrician job profile for more information.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would usually work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. You may have to work shifts, including weekends, and you may sometimes work overtime. Some garages have an on-call system, and some heavy vehicle garages only service vehicles at night.
If your employer deals with breakdowns, you may have to travel long distances and work in all weather conditions.
IncomeDesc
Income
Average salaries for motor vehicle technicians can be between £15,000 and £20,000 a year.
Experienced technicians can earn over £25,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
A common way to become a motor vehicle technician is through an apprenticeship in vehicle mechanics. To get onto a scheme, you may need GCSEs in maths, English and science, or equivalent qualifications. For more details, visit the Apprenticeships and Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) websites, or check vehicle manufacturers' websites directly.
Another way to train is to take an automotive course at college to learn some of the skills needed for the job. Courses include:
- City & Guilds Award and Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (3901/4101)
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Vehicle Technology
- BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Engineering (Automotive)
- IMI Awards Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (100/5568/x LV).
Check with local colleges or training providers for their exact entry requirements.
You will normally need a driving licence for the class of vehicle you work with and a good general level of fitness.
See the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) website for further information about careers and training.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
Car technology changes all the time so you must update your skills and knowledge throughout your career.
You could work towards an Automotive NVQ from levels 1 to 3. This has several options, including:
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (options in light or heavy vehicles, lift trucks, motorcycles, auto electrics, motor sport, electronics and security)
- Vehicle Fitting Operations (tyres and general fitting)
- Vehicle Body and Paint Operations (body repair and refinishing)
- Roadside Assistance and Recovery.
As an experienced motor vehicle technician, you could take a City & Guilds Certificate in Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Techniques (4121) at Level 4, or an IMI Award Level 4 Diploma for Automotive Master Technicians (100/5567/8).
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a voluntary competence test scheme that could improve your career opportunities. It is supported by the automotive industry and is available at a number of levels and for various kinds of work. For information, go to the ATA website.
If you are working in motorsport, the NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2 has units for this role. Contact the Motorsport Industry Association for details.
MOT testing
With experience, you could train to become an MOT tester (known as nominated tester). To do this, you will need to:
- have at least four years' experience repairing the types of vehicle you want to test
- be at least 20 years old and sponsored by your testing station
- have a full driving licence for the class/type of vehicle you want to test
- have no unspent convictions for criminal offences.
You will also need a Level 3 qualification in vehicle mechanics. For example:
- NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or hold the Automotive Technician Accreditation at Diagnostic Technician level
- City & Guilds Automotive Maintenance and Repair (4100/4101)
- IMI Awards Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (100/5533/2).
If you do not have a relevant qualification, you must pass the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) Nominated Tester Assessment exam or hold a current ATA at Diagnostic level. You must also complete a two-day VOSA training course on testing procedures and a practical demonstration test. For more details, contact VOSA.
Air-conditioning
If you install or service air-conditioning units you must have a qualification to do this work. For example:
- IMI Level 2 Vehicle Air Conditioning Technician award
- IMI Level 3 Diploma in Automotive Air Conditioning and Climate Control
- City & Guilds (5101) Level 3 Certificate in Mobile Air Conditioning Systems
- Automotive Technician Accreditation in Air Conditioning Refrigerant Handler.
Contact the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and City & Guilds for more information.
LPG conversions
There is a growing requirement for converting engines to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). To carry out conversions, you should be a qualified vehicle technician and ideally an approved installer.
The UK trade association for LPG (UKLPG) runs the Approved Autogas Installer Scheme. Major LPG companies, the government and insurers prefer this scheme for showing an installer's competence to do conversions. Many insurers will not give car insurance unless an approved installer has carried it out.
Visit the UKLPG website for details about the scheme, LPG conversions and installer training providers.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To become a motor vehicle technician you will need to have:
- an excellent knowledge of motor vehicle technology
- strong practical skills
- good problem-solving skills to find faults
- the ability to work quickly and pay attention to detail
- good communication and customer service skills
- the ability to follow written and spoken instructions
- a reasonable level of fitness
- an up-to-date knowledge of vehicle developments, especially new engine types and electronics
- an awareness of health and safety regulations.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
Institute of the Motor Industry 
Fanshaws
Brickendon
Hertford
SG13 8PQ
Tel: 01992 511521
www.motor.org.uk
Autocity
Email: careers@motor.org.uk
http://autocity.org.uk
Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
Training Services
Berkeley House
Croydon Street
Bristol
BS5 0DA
Tel: 0870 606 0440
www.vosa.gov.uk
City & Guilds
1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
Tel: 0844 543 0000
www.cityandguilds.com
UKLPG
www.uklpg.org
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
You can find work with garages, manufacturers' service centres, freight, transport and construction companies, vehicle hire and breakdown organisations, fast-fit outlets and car dealerships. There may also be opportunities with local authorities, the police and taxi companies, as well as with companies that have large fleets of vehicles such as BT or SKY.
You could specialise in a particular area of mechanics, such as electrics, or in a specific make of vehicle.
With experience, you could be promoted to senior technician, workshop supervisor and workshop manager. Other options include working as a breakdown engineer or moving into automotive engineering. You could also become self-employed.
You may find the following useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
LMIData
Related industry information
Industry summary
The vehicle maintenance and repair industry is part of the automotive retail sector, represented by the IMI Automotive Sector Skills Council, which also includes: vehicle sales; vehicle rental; and vehicle parts, distribution and supply. The UK automotive retail sector employs an estimated 514,572 people, accounting for 1.9% of the UK workforce. Future growth for the whole sector is forecast to be an increase of 2% by 2017.
The vehicle maintenance and repair industry covers all forms of maintenance on all types of vehicles. Different types of maintenance and repair include:
- Routine maintenance and repair – such as regular servicing of cars, lorries, motorcycles, vans, motorsport vehicles, fork lift trucks and the diagnosis and fixing of any faults
- Accident repair ‐ reinstating of vehicles to original condition following the event of an accident (activities such as panel beating, re‐spraying, mechanical electrical trim replacement and auto glazing)
- Roadside assistance – diagnosis and repair of faults of vehicles at the roadside
- Body building – the design, build and fitting of bespoke body work for commercial vehicle chasses, such as fire engines, horse boxes and vans
- Fast fit operations (tyres, exhausts, batteries etc.) – such as fitting of tyres, exhausts, brakes and suspension systems normally done whilst the customer waits
Key facts:
- There is an estimated 193,789 working in the industry, in an estimated 37,985 business units.
- The number of vehicle maintenance and repair businesses has increased by 48% over the last decade.
- The number of jobs in the industry has grown since 1998.
Jobs in the industry include: service technician, diagnostic technician, master technician, workshop supervisor, management, motorsport technician, paint technician, MOT examiner.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There is an estimated 15,297 jobs in the industry, which is an increase of 39% since 1998. The East Midlands accounts for 9% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is set to decline by 4% in the region by 2017.
East of England – There is an estimated 20,709 jobs in the industry, which is a rise of 32% since 1998. The East accounts for 12% of all employment within the industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is set to increase by 4% in the region by 2017.
London – There is an estimated 15,641 jobs in the industry, which is a fall of 9% since 1998. London accounts for 9% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to decline by 14% in the region by 2017.
North East – There is an estimated 7,868 jobs in the industry, which is a rise of 53% since 1998. The North East accounts for 5% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to decline by 11% in the region by 2017.
North West – There is an estimated 20,036 jobs in the industry. The region accounts for 12% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to decline by 4% in the region by 2017.
South East – There is an estimated 31,349 jobs in the industry. The South East accounts for 19% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is set to increase by 17% in the region by 2017.
South West – There is an estimated 18,911 jobs in the industry, which is a significant increase of 30% since 1998. The region accounts for 11% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to decline by 16% in the region by 2017.
West Midlands – There is an estimated 18,745 jobs in the industry, which is an increase of 26% since 1998. The region accounts for 11% of all employment within the industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to increase by only 1% in the region by 2017.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There is an estimated 19,110 jobs in the industry, which is an increase of 52% since 1998. The region accounts for 11% of all employment within the industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to increase by 15% in the region by 2017.
Scotland – There is an estimated 13,646 jobs in the industry, which is a fall of 31% since 1998. Scotland accounts for 9% of all employment within the vehicle maintenance and repair industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole is forecast to increase by 1% by 2017.
Wales – There is an estimated 8,980 jobs in the industry. The automotive retail sector as a whole has seen a growth in employment over the past decade jobs, but it is forecast to decline by 2% by 2017. The sector as a whole accounts for 4% of all national employment within the automotive retail sector.
The following data are for the automotive retail sector as a whole:
Northern Ireland – The automotive retail sector has seen a growth in employment over the past decade, to an estimated 13,893 jobs. Employment is forecast to continue to increase by 17% by 2017. It accounts for 3% of all national employment within the automotive retail sector.
Career paths
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