Motor Vehicle Technician

About my work
I’m a motor vehicle technician and I repair and maintain vehicles. I started off working for someone else and eventually went on to own my own garage. The work I carry out is mainly on cars and vans. I diagnose problems using a range of hand and power tools to fix them. I also use specialist tools such as welding equipment, electric testing devices and computers to help me diagnosing the fault. I often refer to manuals, worksheets and technical drawings, as a lot of the work has to be carried out according to manufacturer's guidelines. I also carry out MOT testing, servicing and I fit accessories such as radios and alarms.

I have worked with different types of technician who also work in other areas within the industry. These include Motorcycle, Heavy vehicle and Auto-electric technicians.

Environment
I often work a 40-hour week, but this can increase depending on workload. Before I started up on my own I used to do shift work, including weekends. However some of my colleagues who work on the h eavy vehicles only work nights because they can only service the heavy vehicles at night.

My garage is a large open space that is modern and heated although I have worked in garages that are cold and draughty.

Lows
Being covered in oil and dirt.

Highs
The restoration of classic cars gives me great pleasure.

Required Skills
To be a motor vehicle technician, you need to have a have good knowledge of motor vehicles and the industry, hold a driving licence, be practical and have a real interest in manual work, be able to work quickly and pay attention to detail, have normal colour vision, be physically fit and be able to follow written instructions

How to get there
If a career as a motor vehicle technician appeals to you can usually train as an apprentice or trainee. You don’t need any formal entry qualifications although many employers look for a reasonable standard of education. They may require four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English, maths and a science subject (preferably physics), or an equivalent qualification such as an Intermediate GNVQ/GSVQ Level II in Engineering.

For entry to certain courses an Access to Higher Education qualification could be accepted. You may be able to gain recognition of skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL) if you already have experience in a related field.

You may be able to apply for a modern apprenticeship scheme if you are aged between 16-24. For more details contact ReMIT (the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation).

BTEC Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Service and Technology and City & Guilds Automotive Vehicle Servicing and Repair (4100) may also be accepted as equivalent qualifications.

Many motor manufacturers, in connection with local employers, run apprenticeship programmes. If you would like more information contact the motor manufacturers directly.



Home Business & Legal Caring Communication Creative Education Entertainment IT Leisure Public Services Research & Analysis Trades & Industry	Motor Vehicle Technician About my work I’m a motor vehicle technician and I repair and maintain vehicles. I started off working for someone else and eventually went on to own my own garage. The work I carry out is mainly on cars and vans. I diagnose problems using a range of hand and power tools to fix them. I also use specialist tools such as welding equipment, electric testing devices and computers to help me diagnosing the fault. I often refer to manuals, worksheets and technical drawings, as a lot of the work has to be carried out according to manufacturer's guidelines. I also carry out MOT testing, servicing and I fit accessories such as radios and alarms. I have worked with different types of technician who also work in other areas within the industry. These include Motorcycle, Heavy vehicle and Auto-electric technicians. Environment I often work a 40-hour week, but this can increase depending on workload. Before I started up on my own I used to do shift work, including weekends. However some of my colleagues who work on the h eavy vehicles only work nights because they can only service the heavy vehicles at night. My garage is a large open space that is modern and heated although I have worked in garages that are cold and draughty. Lows Being covered in oil and dirt. Highs The restoration of classic cars gives me great pleasure. Required Skills To be a motor vehicle technician, you need to have a have good knowledge of motor vehicles and the industry, hold a driving licence, be practical and have a real interest in manual work, be able to work quickly and pay attention to detail, have normal colour vision, be physically fit and be able to follow written instructions How to get there If a career as a motor vehicle technician appeals to you can usually train as an apprentice or trainee. You don’t need any formal entry qualifications although many employers look for a reasonable standard of education. They may require four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English, maths and a science subject (preferably physics), or an equivalent qualification such as an Intermediate GNVQ/GSVQ Level II in Engineering. For entry to certain courses an Access to Higher Education qualification could be accepted. You may be able to gain recognition of skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL) if you already have experience in a related field. You may be able to apply for a modern apprenticeship scheme if you are aged between 16-24. For more details contact ReMIT (the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation). BTEC Certificate/Diploma in Vehicle Service and Technology and City & Guilds Automotive Vehicle Servicing and Repair (4100) may also be accepted as equivalent qualifications. Many motor manufacturers, in connection with local employers, run apprenticeship programmes. If you would like more information contact the motor manufacturers directly.
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