Motor Vehicle Breakdown Engineer
Job Description:Motor vehicle breakdown engineers help people whose vehicles have broken down.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- respond to breakdown calls from the control centre
- make sure the vehicle, driver and passengers are safe
- examine the vehicle to find and diagnose the fault
- carry out roadside repairs
- tow or transport the vehicle to a garage if major repair work is needed
- arrange transport for the driver of the broken down vehicle
- complete record sheets for each job
Skills:
You’ll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to repair systems
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- analytical thinking skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course before applying for work as a trainee with a garage or breakdown company.
In the UK, for example, relevant courses include:
- Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
- Diploma in Vehicle Technology
- Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Apprenticeship
You can get into this career by completing a motor vehicle service and maintenance technician advanced apprenticeship.
This typically takes around 36 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to become a breakdown engineer. You’ll need experience and qualifications in motor vehicle maintenance and repair to do this.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 42-44 hours of work. You should be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.
You could work at a garage, from a vehicle or on call-out to wherever the car owner is. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you’ll travel often. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager, or move into training.