Mobile Specialist

Mobile service technicians service and repair cars, vans, and larger vehicles such as lorries and coaches. They work from a mobile unit and travel to the customer in order to carry out the work. They are trained in all areas of vehicle mechanics and electronics, from engine and exhaust systems to air conditioning and security features.

Service technicians’ duties will commonly include:

• Servicing vehicles – carrying out checks and maintenance according to the manufacturers’ guidelines
• Repairing and replacing faulty parts and components
• Advising customers on necessary repairs
• Producing time and cost estimates
• Maintaining repair and service records

As a mobile service 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

You will need to be trained in vehicle maintenance and repair and, depending on where your interests lie, you may decide to specialise as a light vehicle, motorcycle, heavy vehicle or lift truck technician.  You will be required to have a full driving licence.
 

You may also benefit from completing an Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) in the discipline that you work in most, for more information please see IMI Website
 

Qualifications

IMI Awards

Level 1 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance (QCF)

IMI Award Level 2 National Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle) (VRQ)

IMI Award Level 2 National Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Motorcycle) (VRQ)

IMI Award Level 2 National Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Heavy Vehicle) (VRQ)

Edexcel

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (QCF)

Level 2 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 service technicians work 40 hours a week from Monday to Saturday. This may include some shift and overtime work. You will often be working outdoors, but your employer will provide protective clothing.

Salary:

• As a trainee service technician you may expect to start on between £7,000 - £11,000 depending on your age and stage of training
• Once you are qualified you may expect to earn between £13,000 - £20,000
• 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

There are several ways of starting your career as a trainee mobile service technician:

• 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
• Study full time at college with practical exercises as well as classroom work

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.

Apprenticeships

Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle)  In this apprenticeship you’ll choose your area of specialization, whether that’s motorcycles, cars, heavy vehicles or vehicle electrical systems. You’ll be working in a service technician type role, carrying out routine maintenance and basic repairs, as well as identifying and reporting faults.

Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician

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