Mechanic

motor mechanic car mechanic motor vehicle technician
Bookmark
Garage services
Produce

Career outlook for mechanic

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£18,000

Experienced

£35,000


Currently employed in Scotland

8,400

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would fix cars, motorbikes and other vehicles to make sure they work well and are safe for people to drive.

You would repair and service cars, vans, motorbikes, lorries and coaches.

You’d work on all the mechanics and electrics, from engines and exhaust systems to air-conditioning and security.

You would:

  • Find faults
  • Tell customers if repairs are needed and how important they are
  • Work out the estimated time and cost for jobs
  • Do repairs and replace damaged parts
  • Roadtest the vehicle to check the repair work
  • Fit and service accessories like radios and alarms
  • Carry out standard servicing and checks

As an experienced technician, you could do MOT tests or convert standard engines to liquid petroleum gas (LPG). You might also work on electric and hybrid vehicles.

It would be important to be aware of health and safety regulations. And you’d need to keep up to date with vehicle developments, especially new engine types and electronics.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. You may have to work shifts, including weekends, and you may sometimes work overtime. Some garages have an on-call system, and some heavy vehicle garages only service vehicles at night.

Environment

If your employer deals with breakdowns, you may work in all weather conditions.

Travel

If your employer deals with breakdowns, you may have to travel long distances.

UK employment status

Full-time

77%

Part-time

7%

Self employed

16%

Create a qualification route

We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.

Discover my route

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Implementing ideas
  • Filtering
  • Attention to detail
  • Listening
  • Observation
  • Resourceful

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You must complete a Modern Apprenticeship to gain relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in light or heavy vehicle maintenance and repair (SVQ level 2/3).

You do not need formal qualifications to start an apprenticeship but many employers look for a good general education (SCQF level 4/5). You usually have to complete an aptitude test prior to an apprenticeship.

Useful subjects

  • Maths
  • English
  • Science subjects
  • Technologies subjects

You will also need

Once you are qualified, you will need a driving licence for most jobs.

Helpful to have

Qualifications that demonstrate physical fitness and practical skills such as Skills for Work Automotive Skills (SCQF level 4).

Once in the job you may choose to work towards Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) from the Institute of the Motor Industry .