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More info
- Repair and service cars and other vehicles
- You could specialise in a particular type of work or type of vehicle
- Can be dirty, physical work, but with opportunities to progress to senior roles or run your own business
As a motor mechanic, you'll fix, test, or modify cars and vans for clients.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Telling customers if repairs are needed and whether they're urgent
- Working out the estimated time and cost for jobs
- Checking stock levels and ordering parts
- Carrying out standard servicing, repairs and maintenance, road testing vehicles to check repairs
- Fitting and servicing accessories like stereos and alarms
- Keeping records
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work at a garage, and your working environment may be noisy and dirty. Safety clothing and equipment may also be required.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, thoroughness and attention to detail, good initiative, analytical thinking skills, physical skills, persistence and determination, and the ability to work well with others.
You could take a college course such as a Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, or Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Technology.
You can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship as a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician which will take 2 to 3 years.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could become a senior technician, workshop supervisor or garage manager. You could work as a breakdown engineer or MOT tester, or specialising in a particular area like motorsport engineering. You could also work on electric and hybrid cars or specialise in tuning and modifying vehicles for higher performance. You could also set up your own business.