An expert in the maintenance and repair of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. Motorcycles need the same maintenance as other cars. In addition, the engine must be serviced after travelling a certain distance. Moreover, several minor repairs are common for bikes. Furthermore, consumers rely on motorbike technicians who are experts in doing all of these responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- carry out maintenance checks
- diagnose mechanical and electrical faults
- repair faults and road test motorcycles
- strip, rebuild and tune engines
- advise customers on repair times and costs
- update repair and service records
- customise motorcycles to match customers’ needs.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £18,000 per year.
- Experienced motorcycle mechanics car earn up to £30,000 pear year.
Working hours
You will typically work 38 to 40 hours per week, working between 8am and 6pm.
Working environment
You could work at a garage or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy and dirty.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice motorcycle mechanic include:
- Level 3 Motorcycle 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 usually takes around 36 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.
Skills
On a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work well with your hands
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of physics
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Career path and progression
You may get training to become a motorcycle diagnostic technician, workshop manager, or motorcycle MOT tester.
In addition, you may develop your own sales and service company or specialise in the manufacturing of bespoke bicycles.