Overview:
Vehicle Technician/Mechanics specialises in the service and repair of vehicles.Vehicle Technicians Mechanics work on the maintenance and repair of all type of motor vehicles, performing preventative and restorative work on the engine, electrics, brakes, gears, fuel pump, exhaust system, security features and air conditioning. They also carry out the routine servicing of vehicles, advising customers on the condition of their vehicle and test new vehicles for mechanical faults.
Salaries:
Trainee mechanics usually start on a salary of £7,000 - £11,000 depending on their age and experience. Qualified mechanics typically earn between £13,000 and £20,000 a year with the potential of progressing to £26,000 with experience. The median annual salary for mechanic and automotive technicians was $36,710 in 2013. The highest earners in the field made about $61,210, while the lowest-paid took home $20,920.
Responsibilities:
It depends on the type of vehicle and the work required but typically they include:
Preparing for and carrying out MOT tests
Assessing the condition of a vehicle in between required MOTs
Identifying mechanical faults in a vehicle's brakes, engine, gears or electrics etc.
Fitting clutches, springs and brake
Testing new vehicles to identify any faults in the mechanics
Rebuilding engines and gearboxes
Converting engines to liquid petroleum gas
Ordering and tuning parts
Fitting radios and other internal features
Customizing vehicles to the owner’s specifications
Advising owners on vehicle condition and cost of repairs
Dealing with fuel problems
Repairing and fitting tyres
Servicing and repairing vehicles which have broken down
Qualification:
In general, trainee vehicle technician/ mechanics are not required to have specific academic qualifications before they begin training, but employers will usually ask for good GCSEs in maths, science, technology and English. Mechanics may agree to train prospective employees without any GCSEs as long as they are able to demonstrate a head for science and engineering and good practical abilities. Most trainee vehicle technicians/ mechanics undertake an apprenticeship with a qualified employer, although these tend to be limited to school leavers and those aged 25 or under. Apprenticeships involve part practical experience and part theoretical training and usually incorporate a City & Guilds or BTEC certificate in a relevant subject. As an alternative to undertaking an apprenticeship, trainee mechanics can take a course in automotive engineering, such as a City & Guilds Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or a BTEC National Certificate in Vehicle Repair and Technology which are offered by a wide range of colleges and education institutions across the country.Required Skills For Auto Mechanics/Technicians:
An excellent knowledge of motor technology
Good communication skills
The ability to listen to and follow instructions
Excellent practical skills
The ability to solve problems
A willingness to work as part of a team
The ability to concentrate for long periods of time
A reasonable level of fitness
Good manual dexterity
Close attention to detail
Normal color vision
The ability to work independently and use own initiative
A commitment to the industry and an up-to-date knowledge of issues relating to mechanics
An awareness of health and safety regulations
An enthusiasm for cars and other motor vehicles
A flexible approach to the job
The ability to concentrate for long periods of time
A reasonable level of fitness
Good manual dexterity
Close attention to detail
Normal color vision
The ability to work independently and use own initiative
A commitment to the industry and an up-to-date knowledge of issues relating to mechanics
An awareness of health and safety regulations
An enthusiasm for cars and other motor vehicles
A flexible approach to the job
Experience:
Relevant experience is vital for getting a job as a vehicle technician/ mechanic. A practical work placement is tied into apprenticeships and most relevant qualifications, but it may be useful to undertake some work experience at a mechanics' firm or garage, in order to get a feel for what is involved in the job. Experience working in any practical or technological capacity will also be viewed favorably by potential employers.