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Auto electrician
Auto electricians fit, service and repair the electrical systems in motor vehicles.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£38000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
College
You could do a vehicle maintenance course that also covers auto electrical work. Courses like this could help you find a trainee position. They include
light vehicle maintenance and repair, auto electrical and mobile electrical operations, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as
Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Vehicle Damage, Mechanical, Electrical and Trim Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These take around 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and learning off-site.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply for jobs as an auto electrician if you've got qualifications and experience in motor mechanics.
Experience of working with hybrid and electric vehicles will be useful.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in the automotive industry from:Autocity, Society of Motor Industry Manufacturers
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
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 use your initiative
    Knowledge of maths
    The ability to work well with others
    Persistence and determination
    The ability to work well with your hands
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Other Requirements
You may need a driving licence, which might include LGV (lorries) or PCV (buses), depending on the vehicles you work with.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As an auto electrician, you could
take readings, using a laptop or device connected to an engine's electronic control unit, inspect and test wiring and electrical systems in vehicles, find and fix faults, refer to manufacturers' circuit diagrams and manuals, fit new electrical parts to vehicles, work on hybrid and electrical vehicle systems, fill out repair sheets for customers, listing the work you have done
Working environment
You could work at a garage or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience and further training, you could become
a workshop controller or manager, an automotive or motorsport engineer, a skills trainer
You might also start your own business.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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