Job Name

Auto electrician

Job Description
Auto electricians fit and repair the electrics in motor vehicles.

Salary Low
£15,000 Starter

Salary high:
£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours:
42 to 44 a week

Typical Hours per Day:
on call as customers demand

How to become an Auto electrician

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College

You could do a vehicle maintenance and repair course that also covers auto electrical work. Relevant courses include:

Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
Level 1 Award in Motor Vehicle Studies
Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
Level 2 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through an intermediate apprenticeship in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs as an auto electrician if you've got qualifications and experience in motor mechanics.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an auto electrician from Autocity.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of maths
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
the ability to use your initiative
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work well with others
persistence and determination
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence, which might include LGV (lorries) or PCV (buses), depending on the vehicles you work with.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

taking readings, using a laptop or hand-held device connected to an engine's electronic control unit
checking and testing wiring and parts in older vehicles using portable instruments
using readings to find faults
researching faults, using manufacturers' circuit diagrams and manuals
repairing or replacing faulty parts
retesting the system to make sure everything is working correctly and safely (this may include road testing the vehicle)
filling out a repair sheet listing the work you have done