Light vehicle service technicians service and repair vehicles such as cars, and vans up to 3.5 tonnes. Technicians are trained in all areas of vehicle mechanics and electronics, from engine and exhaust systems to air conditioning and security features. The duties of a light vehicle service technician may include:
As a light vehicle service technician you will need to demonstrate:
You will need to be trained in light vehicle maintenance and repair level 2 at this stage of your career. There are a range of qualifications in light vehicle maintenance and repair covering the underpinning knowledge you will need to get started and the hands-on skills required to carry out the job.
There are several ways of starting your career as a trainee light vehicle technician:
If you have some experience and are currently working as a technician you can complete your Automotive Technician Accreditation, this demonstrates your current competence and is valid for three years. For more information see IMI Accrediatation Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair.
Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (VRQ)
ABC Level 2 Award in Motor Vehicle Studies (Light Vehicle)
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (QCF)
Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (QCF)
Advanced Auto Diagnostic Techniques (4121)
Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Principles (4290-12/17)
Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.
Most service technicians work 40 hours a week, from Monday to Saturday. This may include some shift and overtime work. Some tasks may be physically demanding although you will use lifting equipment to move heavy parts.
Salary:
As you gain more experience and complete further training you can expect this salary to rise. There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.
Apprentice/traineeship schemes may vary from employer to employer but they will typically work towards an N/SVQ and will be on-the-job training. To do this you may require GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths, Science and IT or appropriate equivalents. For further information on apprentice/traineeships in England please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, for Wales please visit www.careerswales.com for Northern Ireland please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers and for Scotland please visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) In this qualification you’ll choose your area of specialisation, whether that’s motorcycles, cars, heavy vehicles or vehicle electrical systems.