Vehicle Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) Technicians assess, identify and repair damaged mechanical and electrical components in vehicles which have usually been involved in an accident. Some technicians may complete a repair from start to finish, while others specialise in one part of the process e.g. fitting panels, repairing dents and scratches or painting.
What does an MET Technician do?
Working as an MET Technician, your responsibilities might include:
- Assessing damage to a vehicle in terms of mechanical and electrical components;
- Using diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair electric faults;
- Stripping and refitting parts on vehicles which have been involved in accident;
- Repairing or replacing damaged panels and components to a required standard;
- Fixing mechanical damage e.g. engine, suspension or steering;
- Using a computerised machine to align wheels on a vehicle;
- Ordering necessary parts for vehicles from parts department;
- Working from job cards which detail what work to be done on a vehicle;
- Preparing invoices for completed work and passing this over to the accounts department.
What education does an MET Technician need?
If you wish to become an MET Technician, you can pursue the following options:
Although no formal qualifications are needed, most employers prefer applicants who can demonstrate a good level of English and ability with numbers. GCSE’s are required in Maths, English and a Science (A* – C) to apply for an apprenticeship.
You can then look to do the following:
- Full-time college course: This will consist of practical exercises as well as classroom work;
- Apprenticeship: Combining work with study, usually on a day-release basis, at a local college or training provider;
- Employment: You can also find a job with an employer offering a training scheme that involves training at specially equipped centres.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) also has a pre-apprenticeship programme for students aged 14 to 16. The scheme offers a fast-track way to progress onto a full Apprenticeship, with recognised Level 1 Technical Certificates within the Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships frameworks.
What qualifications do you need to become an MET Technician?
Training to become an MET Technician consists of the following:
- After completing your apprenticeship, you would complete SVQ Vehicle Accident Repair Mechanical, electrical and Trim (MET at SCQF Level 6);
- You may work towards the IMI Accreditation Mechanical, Electrical, Trim (MET). This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests. There are two levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Mechanical, Electrical, Trim (MET): Technician and Senior Technicianp
- You will also be expected to keep up to date with new materials that vehicle manufacturers use.
What career prospects would I have?
You will have the opportunity to progress once you become a qualified MET Technician. After you’ve gained experience, you could move up to senior technician, a supervisor or manager of an accident repair centre, for example.
What skills do you need to become an MET Technician?
To succeed in a career as an MET Technician, you will need the following skills:
- Attention to detail;
- Quality control;
- Ability to take direction;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Able to work both independently and as a team;
- Be safety conscious.
Will this job suit my personality?
To work in this type of role, you will need to be self-driven and motivated. You will need to be able to work in a team, as well as being independent.
What will my working hours look like?
Depending on the organisation, you will usually work around 40 hours a week and sometimes do overtime. You would usually work Monday to Friday.
Where would I work?
You will usually be based in an accident repair centre. Your environment may consist of a lot of dust and noise, as well as paint fumes – so you will likely be in protective clothing. You may also have to work in cramped conditions, lifting heavy parts, or use lifting equipment.
How much does an MET Technician earn?
While actual pay rates may vary depending on where you work, the size of the company and demand for the job, the below will give you an idea of what you could earn as an MET Technician.
Apprentice average salary: £7,500 – £13,000
Starting salary (qualified MET Technician): £25,000 – £29,000 a year (exc. overtime and bonuses)
Average salary: £34,510.76 a year according to InAutomotive 2019 data (exc. Overtime and bonuses)
Experienced salary: Up to £40,000 a year (exc. Overtime and bonuses)
Below, you can see the regional average salaries for MET Technicians:
