You could take a college course before applying for a trainee motor mechanic role with a garage.

Relevant courses include:

• light vehicle maintenance and repair
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

You could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing a course like:

• auto-electrical and mobile electrical operations
• electric/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician - Light Vehicle Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This will usually take 2 to 3 years. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

You could also train as a vehicle mechanic in the British Army.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

As a motor mechanic, you could:

• find and diagnose faults using hand tools or a computer
• advise customers on what repairs are needed, including costs
• carry out regular maintenance, and repair or replace faulty parts
• test vehicles on the road to check repairs
• monitor stock levels and update vehicle service records
• work with high voltage batteries, if you deal with hybrid or electric vehicles

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a motor mechanic to be a green job, you could:

• specialise in maintenance and repair of electric vehicles
• recycle used materials like batteries, oil and tyres
• use renewable energy sources in the workshop

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a garage.

Your working environment may be noisy, dirty and physically active.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.