Introduction
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 and motorised plant. Vehicles and
motorised plant 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 also they may be required to work
contracted hours on Saturday mornings.
Daily Activities
Motor vehicle technicians inspect, work on and maintain all local
council vehicles and motorised plant. Their duties include:
- conducting vehicle inspections as per VOSA testers guide for
Large Goods Vehicles, Cars & Light Commercial vehicles and
Buses;
- conducting motorised plant inspections in line with PUWER
regulations;
- 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 or
Tracker and vehicle management 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 and welding kits to include gas and
mig welding sets;
- 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,
and electronic diagnostic equipment;
- 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.
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.
Further Information & Services
Apprenticeship information www.apprenticeships.org.uk
People First www.goskills.org
Retail Motor Industry Training (Remit) Ltd www.remit.co.uk
Road Haulage Association http://roadhaulageassociation.wordpress.com
The Institute of the Motor Industry www.motor.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.