Apprentice auto electricians install and repair electrical systems. Car electricians are usually employed by car service centres, where they install, examine, repair, and maintain the electrical components of a vehicle.
Installing and repairing electrical wiring, troubleshooting vehicle electrical systems, replacing broken electrical components, and maintaining agricultural machinery electrical equipment are all part of the work.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- take readings, using a laptop or hand-held device connected to an engine’s electronic control unit
- check and test wiring and parts in older vehicles using portable instruments
- use readings to find faults
- research faults, using manufacturers’ circuit diagrams and manuals
- repair or replace faulty parts
- retest the system to make sure everything is working correctly and safely – this may include road testing the vehicle
- fill out a repair sheet listing the work you have done.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £17,000 per year.
- Experienced auto electricians can earn £37,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 40 to 44 hours per week and sometimes being on call when customers need assistance.
Working environment
You could work at a garage or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice auto electrician include:
- Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification will take 36 months to complete.
- Level 3 Vehicle Damage Mechanical, Electrical and Trim Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification will take 36 months to complete.
Skills
On an auto electrician apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of maths
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- problem-solving skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor or manager, or move into vehicle sales or marketing.
You could also set up your own business.