UNDER THE BONNET: Mechanic Paul Brown, left, with work experience person James Butler at Norfolk Motor Group.

Motor vehicle technician

Answers supplied by Grant Long, Dealer Principal at Norfolk Motor Company Limited, a local family business which represents Suzuki,
Kia, and Proton franchises. The business has been established for more than 34 years and employs 65 full-time and five part-time staff at its five locations in the city.

What does the job entail?
The job will involve the diagnosis and mechanicalrepair of motor vehicles using specialist equipment. You could alsocarry out MoT testing and other work which involves the use of specialist skills such as auto electrical work or LPG (gas conversions).

What skills and qualifications are needed?
There are opportunities for entry into the trade at different levels, ie skilled or semi-skilled technicians, apprentices and specialised fields like MoT tester. Qualifications most sought after include City & Guilds, BTEC diplomas and engineering related skills, and a clean driving licence is essential. Most manufacturers will insist on technical training which is an ongoing process.

What type of person will fit in?
Someone who enjoys working with their hands, enjoys the challenge of diagnostics, can work to time schedules, has pride in their work and has a technical/engineering aptitude or is simply interested in working with vehicles. You need to be physically fit and ideally be a team player but also enjoy working under your own initiative. You must be flexible in your thought processes andbe adaptable to change.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The pluses are good job security, the ability for career progression, the earning potential, varied work, an opportunity to use sophisticated machinery, training opportunities and job satisfaction. A minus is probably the working environment, which can be noisy, dirty and uncomfortable, although this is now less likely than in the past when working standards were not as high.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There is a national shortage of qualified technicians and a lack of young people entering the trade as apprentices, so job prospects are extremely good. Aside from specialisation in areas like auto electrics, LPG conversion and MoT testing, experienced technicians can progress to supervisory roles including workshop foreman, works controller, service advisor and eventually service management.

What can I expect to earn?
Salaries vary according to the location and nature of the garage and the opportunity to earn bonuses or overtime is also a significant factor. Starting salaries for apprentices are in the region of £7,000 and for semi-skilled technician's £11- 12,000. Final salaries for skilled technicians are likely to be about £18- 25,000 including bonus and overtime payments. Supervisory and management positions command higher salaries.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Anyone considering entering the business should contact local colleges and technical training centres. It is always worth contacting the dealership or company you would like to work for. Local papers and specialist motor trade recruitment agencies are the best source of suitable jobs or get to know people in your community who work at local dealerships as this often provides an opening.