Motor vehicle technicians in local councils are responsible for the day-to-day repair and maintenance of council vehicles. This could include cars, vans, lorries and passenger transport vehicles, such as buses and trams. Vehicles must be kept in safe working condition at all times.

Work Environment

Motor vehicle technicians usually work in garages, however they may also need to go out to the roadside to recover vehicles that have broken down. They are normally required to wear protective clothing, such as boots and overalls.

Motor vehicle technicians normally work 37 hours per week on a shift basis. Sometimes they may required to be on call for a 24-hour breakdown cover rota.

Daily Activities

Motor vehicle technicians work on and maintain all local council vehicles. Their duties include:

• diagnosing faults in vehicles and deciding on the work required, for example, whether a faulty unit should be repaired or replaced;
• carrying out routine servicing and tuning;
• fitting accessories such as hands-free mobile phone kits;
• overhauling and reconditioning parts;
• carrying out road tests to make sure their work has been effective;
• keeping records of faults on each vehicle and noting the replacement of parts and repairs carried out;
• working to time limits and deadlines to get repairs done;
• explaining problems with vehicles in simple terms and recommending relevant repairs;
• using electronic equipment to repair electrical faults;
• using hand and power tools including spanners, screwdrivers, drills and soldering equipment;
• attending broken down vehicles at roadside locations.

Some more experienced technicians may act in a supervisory capacity managing a small team of motor vehicle mechanics.

Skills & Interests

Motor vehicle technicians need to be:

• practical, with the ability to use hand and power tools safely,
• methodical, with good attention to detail,
• aware of safety procedures at all times,
• good team members with the ability to use their initiative and make decisions,
• good at communicating with lots of different people.

Entry Requirements

There may not be any set requirements to enter as a trainee, but in some cases you may need four GCSEs/S Grades (A*-C/1-3) or equivalent including maths. You would also need a full driving licence – some councils may ask for an LGV licence.

Trainees would then learn whilst working towards relevant N/SVQs or an Apprenticeship. Relevant NVQs/SVQs include Maintaining Automotive Vehicles, Vehicle Fitting, Vehicle Maintenance and Roadside Assistance and Recovery.

Some councils may ask for qualified vehicle maintenance technicians with previous experience. They may require you to have a BTEC, an HND or City and Guilds qualifications in relevant subjects.

Estimated salary range

£15,000 - £22,000 per year, but varies depending on shift allowance.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

As well as moving into more senior managerial roles, with the right training and experience, there may also be opportunities to move into other technical jobs such as electrician or facilities maintenance technician.

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