What does a Vehicle Technician do?
A Vehicle Technician works on all vehicle mechanics and electrics, from engines and exhaust systems to air-conditioning and security.
Responsibilities might include:
- Finding faults;
- Carrying out standard servicing, repairs and maintenance
- Telling customers if repairs are needed and how important they are;
- Work out the estimated time and cost for jobs;
- Repairing electrical faults and replacing damaged parts;
- Roadtest the vehicle to check the repair work;
- Fit and service accessories like radios and alarms;
- Carry out standard servicing and checks.
Staying updated on health and safety regulations would be important for this type of job. It would also be useful to keep up with vehicle developments, especially new engine types and electronics.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Skills
Salary
Career prospects
What qualifications do you need to become a Vehicle Technician?
It’s useful to have GCSEs in Maths, English, Science subjects and/or Technologies subjects.
You’ll also need a driving license for most jobs.
You can get in to this job through:
- A college course
- An apprenticeship
See here for more information on these.
What skills do you need to be a Vehicle Technician?
Some of the skills you would be expected to have include:
- Good communication skills
- The ability to follow instruction
- Initiative
- Customer service skills
- Repairing and fixing
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Being physically fit
How much does a Vehicle Technician earn?
According to InAutomotive’s most recent data, the average salary for a Vehicle Technician in 2019 was £30,829.45 (yearly). This figure increased from 2018 by 4.57%.
Starting salaries may start from around £18,000 (yearly).
What are your career prospects as a Vehicle Technician?
As you gain more experience, you could progress to senior technician, workshop supervisor or garage manager.
You could do also MOT tests or convert standard engines to liquid petroleum gas (LPG). You might also have the opportunity to work on electric and hybrid vehicles, or you can specialise in a particular area like motorsport engineering.
So if you love cars and enjoy fixing things and problem solving, this could be the role for you.
