Independent Garage

Light vehicle diagnostic technicians inspect, maintain and repair vehicles such as cars, and vans up to 3.5 tonnes. Technicians use diagnostic tools to identify the source of problems and follow on to make the necessary adjustments and repairs.

The duties of a light vehicle diagnostic technician may include:

• Diagnosing the cause of a problem
• Repairing the problem in line with manufacturers’ standards
• Repairing and replacing vehicle components
• Testing existing and repaired systems
• Checking for problems in newer vehicles with testing equipment connected to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU)
• Liaison with manufacturers and parts advisors

As a light vehicle diagnostic technician you will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent practical skills
• The ability to work quickly with attention to detail
• The ability to work without supervision
• Good communication skills
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• A reasonable level of fitness and normal colour vision
• Confidence in working with diagnostic equipment
• The ability to keep calm under pressure and stay focussed
• The ability to solve problems

There are a range of qualifications in light vehicle maintenance and repair at level 3 covering the underpinning knowledge you will need to get started and the hands-on skills required to carry out the job.

You can also complete an Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) at Diagnostic Technician level, for more information please click ATA Diagnostic Technician.

Qualifications

IMI Awards

IMI Award Level 3 National Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle) (VRQ)

EdExcel

Edexcel BTEC 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (QCF)

Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (QCF)

City & Guilds

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (VRQs) (4290)

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 diagnostic 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 a trainee diagnostic technician you may expect to earn between £11,000 - £22,000 depending on your age and stage of training
• Once you are qualified you may expect to earn between £22,000 - £26,000

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.

Light vehicle diagnostic technicians usually progress into this role with experience as light vehicle service technicians, although you may be able to change disciplines with extra training. You would get into this role by further developing your knowledge from a level 2 light vehicle service technician to a level 3 diagnostic technician; this may be possible via an advanced/modern apprenticeship in light vehicle maintenance and repair.

You would normally progress onto this level via your employer, however, the following routes are also available:

• Train at work, in a dedicated training facility managed by the employer; many manufacturers offer apprenticeship programmes that involve training at specially equipped centres
• Study on day release at local colleges or with training providers whilst in employment
• Attend college, or a private training provider who will organise work placements

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

Apprenticeships

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.

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