The tasks of a motor mechanic include inspecting and repairing cars, equipment, and light trucks. These professionals oversee maintenance inspections, manage inventory, install mechanical components, and perform repairs.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
- advise customers on what repairs are needed, including cost
- repair or replace faulty parts and carry out regular maintenance
- test vehicles on the road to check repairs
- check stock levels and update vehicle service records
- work with high voltage batteries if you work on hybrid or electric vehicles.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £18,000 per year.
- Experienced motor mechanics can earn up to £35,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 38 to 45 hours per week, occasionally working evenings and weekends.
Working environment
You could work at a garage.
Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and physically active.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice motor mechanic 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 will usually take 36 months. You’ll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.
Skills
On a motor mechanic apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior technician, workshop supervisor, garage manager or MOT tester
- become a motor vehicle breakdown engineer, or specialise in an area such as motorsport engineering
- work on electric and hybrid cars or specialise in modifying vehicles
- set up your own business, train apprentices or become a further education teacher