What is a vehicle technician:
A vehicle technician is skilled individual who is competent in maintaining vehicles from various manufacturers brands, this can involve working on diesel, petrol, hybrid, and electrical vehicles. General duties involve service, maintenance, PDI and prep work. But inclusive of more complex jobs such diagnostics and repairs & replacements of engines, timing belts, gearboxes, and clutches. The goal is to achieve a roadworthy standard of vehicle that is in line with industry expectations and DVSA standards. A vehicle technician can work within various settings such as dealerships, autocentres and OEMS, where health and safety are key to safe and efficient working. Vehicle technicians require various tools and experience to perform daily tasks and find they work alone but as part of a larger support network within their setting.
How to become a Vehicle Technician:
- Achieve 4 GSCE’S inclusive of Math’s and English at a minimum of Grade 4
- Apply to a college and work to achieve Level 1 vehicle maintenance and repair and work up to Level 3 or an equivalent apprenticeship to these levels.
- Attend work placements or gain industry experience through voluntary work experience.
- IMI qualifications are one of the most recognised within this industry.
- Other qualifications can be achieved such as MOT testing and EV/Hybrid once you have proven a basic skill level.
- Most dealerships will have in-house training to encourage vehicle technicians to work towards diagnostic and master technician level.
Key skills and attributes of a vehicle technician:
- Product & Technical Awareness:
Understanding various manufacturers systems, parts, and knowledge of how to use various diagnostic equipment.
- Time management & Efficiency: To manage time effectively to achieve maximum efficiency and to deliver a quick reliable service to customers.
- Communication: To be able to communicate effectively with customers and service teams relating to repairs and further diagnosed issues.
- Identifying and solving problem: To be able to complete thorough investigation and finding resolutions to any mechanical requirements.
- Adaptability: To have the ability to move from one vehicle to another pending on the urgency of repair and be versatile between manufacturer brands.
- Health & Safety Awareness: To complete daily thorough audits on equipment, tools, and workplace environments. All repairs need to be in line with DVSA standard to ensure roads are car worthy.
- Teamwork: To share knowledge and best practice within the workshop/ service centre to achieve efficiency and productivity.
Earning potential of Vehicle Technician
Earning potential of a vehicle technician can vary based upon the setting and location they are working in and the experience/ qualification the vehicle technicians hold.
On average starting salaries are anything from around £25,000 per annum and can rise to an average of around £55,000 per annum upon achieving master technician level.
Additional bonuses can be earnt on top of these earning and are specific to individual workshops/service centres but are normally based around efficiency and productivity.
Overtime is something that can also increase earning potential and looking at other work option such as contracting and mobile work.