Mechanic
Fix cars, motorbikes or other vehicles to make sure they work well and are safe for people to drive.
Also known as: motor vehicle technician, motor mechanic, car mechanic
About the job
A day in the life – Mechanic
What it's like
Do you dream about spending all day working with cars, motorbikes and other vehicles? As a mechanic, you can turn that passion into a career.
Mechanics fix a range of vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, vans, lorries and coaches. You'll use your knowledge and skills to make sure they work properly and are safe for people to drive.
In most roles, you'll carry out repairs and servicing. You may also work on a vehicle's mechanics and electrics – from the engine and exhaust system to air-conditioning and security features.
As an experienced technician, you could do Ministry of Transport (MOT) tests or convert standard engines to liquid petroleum gas (LPG). You'll probably also work on electric and hybrid vehicles.
It's vital that you're aware of health and safety regulations. You'll also need to stay up-to-date with vehicle developments – especially as electric engines become more popular.
Your tasks might include:
finding faults then telling customers if repairs are needed and how important they are
working out the estimated time and cost for jobs
doing repairs and replacing damaged parts on a range of different vehicles
road testing the vehicle to make sure the repair work has been effective
fitting and servicing accessories like radios or alarms
carrying out standard servicing and checks
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) – discover jobs and career paths across the automotive industry
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Transport -
Engineering and manufacturing -
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- resourceful
- observation
- listening
- attention to detail
- filtering
- implementing ideas
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
Most mechanics in Scotland get qualified through a Modern Apprenticeship.
Learn more about this route and how you can use college to kickstart your career.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Automotive.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job as a trainee mechanic or progress to a Modern Apprenticeship. Useful subjects include:
Automotive Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant HNCs or HNDs.
A knowledge of many different models and ranges of cars is useful.
Having an interest in the motor industry and enjoying fixing cars is a big advantage when applying for jobs and courses.
Once in the job, you may choose to work towards Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) from the Institute of the Motor Industry.
When you become a qualified mechanic, you'll need a full UK driving licence for most jobs.
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