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Overview
Car mechanics help and repair and service the mechanical parts and electrical/electronic components of cars, lorries, buses, motorcycles and other motor vehicles, and repair and service auto air-conditioning systems.
Activities
These are the types of things you would do as a car mechanic:
- Talk to customers about their vehicle’s problems
- Find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
- Advise customers on what repairs are needed
- Estimate time and costs for jobs
- Repair and replace faulty parts
- Road test vehicles to check repairs
- Carry out scheduled servicing and maintenance
- Fit accessories like stereos and alarms
- Check stock levels and parts
- Update vehicle service records
Organisations
You could work for employers who sell motor vehicles such as brands like Audi and BMW and repair them in their garage on site. Other vehicles that need maintenance and repair are large transporter vans such as Scania, agricultural tractors and postal vans.
Workplace
Car mechanics often work indoors inside a garage, but some work outdoors such as for the RAC and AA that recover vehicles that have broken down at the roadside. Your working environment may be noisy and dirty. You will wear overalls over your own clothes to protect them from the oil and grease. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Working Hours
As a car mechanic you will usually work around 38-45 hours a week. Sometimes this involves working on an evening or at a weekend.
Salary
New workers start around £16,353.
Predicted trends -10.5% decrease leading to: 21,108 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
Most employers may expect you to have GCSEs at Grades 9 – 3. However, some employers may be more flexible and look at your practical abilities. You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.