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Car mechanics specialise in the service and repair of vehicles. They
work on the maintenance and repairing of all aspects of cars, by
performing preventative and restorative work on the engine, electrics,
gears, brakes, exhaust system, security features, fuel pump and air
conditioning. Car mechanics will also carry out the routine servicing of
vehicles, and providing advice for customers on the condition of their
vehicles, and will carry out tests for mechanical faults.
If a vehicle has a serious problem, then the driver will not only need the fault to be repaired, but will want the task to be performed correctly, and in a manner that prevents any future recurrences. Only an experienced and qualified car mechanic can provide this level of service. So, car mechanics have an important role to play in the repairing and checking of a large number of vehicles, in and industry with approx 31million cars on the road in the UK.
Education
Those who hope to one day work as a car mechanic are expected to have good GCSE results in Mathematics, Science, Design Technology and English. However, although employers want to know that aspiring mechanics can demonstrate knowledge of science and engineering, and possess strong practical abilities, they will still need training. One of the ways that this can be achieved is through an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships
Trainee car mechanics can undertake an apprenticeship with a qualified employer, although they are often limited to school leavers, and those aged 25 or under.
Apprenticeship programmes involve two parts of training: part of it will be practical on-the-job training within motor mechanics, and the other part will be theoretical training. Apprenticeships comprise of studying for an NVQ qualification such as NVQ Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, and functional skills in Maths and English. Other apprenticeship schemes will start with a Level 3 qualification, which generally require entry level qualifications such as a minimum of 4-5 GCSE's including Maths and English, or equivalent BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeships are one of the main ways of getting into the industry. Huge giants in the car industry such as BMW, Honda and Jaguar carry out recruitment of apprentices each year, and one of the biggest tips is to study their website to see the key qualities and behaviours they are looking for.
Qualifications
An alternative to an apprenticeship for aspiring mechanics is to earn qualifications through a course. In the United Kingdom, there are several different qualifications in vehicle mechanics, which each have their own unique core elements. This will provide you with the necessary training to become a car mechanic.
A BTEC covers motor vehicle management and technology. This is designed for those who hope to manage motoring companies in the future. There are two BTEC's: a HNC and a HND. A HNC is a Higher National Certificate, or a BTEC Edexcel Higher National Certificate in Vehicle Operations Management, to give its full title. This course looks at managing people, managing resources, finance for vehicle operations and a specific project. This is considered equivalent to a GCSE level qualification. Getting this certificate allows you to progress towards getting a HND; a BTEC Edexcel Higher National Diploma in Vehicle Operations Management. The core modules are the same, but are more detailed and advanced. Getting the Diploma is considered to be the equivalent of a degree in motor mechanics.
The City & Guilds offers a large number of different qualifications. They are tailored towards different aspects of motor mechanics, and are based on the experience level and knowledge of students. For instance, the City & Guilds Level 1 IVQ Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair focuses on basic aspects of motor mechanics, such as being able to use tools and common workshop equipment, and knowing how to identify joining methods and materials. However, at Level 2, the qualification becomes a diploma, and focuses on more advanced aspects of motor mechanics, including the removal and replacement of engine units and components, auxiliary electrical units, and chassis units.
The City & Guilds do offer other courses, however. For instance, the Award in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is a QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) is a qualification earned over a short period of time, with three different levels (depending on one's experience). The qualification is well respected within the industry, and is a valuable one for aspiring car mechanics to have when seeking employment.
If a vehicle has a serious problem, then the driver will not only need the fault to be repaired, but will want the task to be performed correctly, and in a manner that prevents any future recurrences. Only an experienced and qualified car mechanic can provide this level of service. So, car mechanics have an important role to play in the repairing and checking of a large number of vehicles, in and industry with approx 31million cars on the road in the UK.
Education
Those who hope to one day work as a car mechanic are expected to have good GCSE results in Mathematics, Science, Design Technology and English. However, although employers want to know that aspiring mechanics can demonstrate knowledge of science and engineering, and possess strong practical abilities, they will still need training. One of the ways that this can be achieved is through an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships
Trainee car mechanics can undertake an apprenticeship with a qualified employer, although they are often limited to school leavers, and those aged 25 or under.
Apprenticeship programmes involve two parts of training: part of it will be practical on-the-job training within motor mechanics, and the other part will be theoretical training. Apprenticeships comprise of studying for an NVQ qualification such as NVQ Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, and functional skills in Maths and English. Other apprenticeship schemes will start with a Level 3 qualification, which generally require entry level qualifications such as a minimum of 4-5 GCSE's including Maths and English, or equivalent BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeships are one of the main ways of getting into the industry. Huge giants in the car industry such as BMW, Honda and Jaguar carry out recruitment of apprentices each year, and one of the biggest tips is to study their website to see the key qualities and behaviours they are looking for.
Qualifications
An alternative to an apprenticeship for aspiring mechanics is to earn qualifications through a course. In the United Kingdom, there are several different qualifications in vehicle mechanics, which each have their own unique core elements. This will provide you with the necessary training to become a car mechanic.
A BTEC covers motor vehicle management and technology. This is designed for those who hope to manage motoring companies in the future. There are two BTEC's: a HNC and a HND. A HNC is a Higher National Certificate, or a BTEC Edexcel Higher National Certificate in Vehicle Operations Management, to give its full title. This course looks at managing people, managing resources, finance for vehicle operations and a specific project. This is considered equivalent to a GCSE level qualification. Getting this certificate allows you to progress towards getting a HND; a BTEC Edexcel Higher National Diploma in Vehicle Operations Management. The core modules are the same, but are more detailed and advanced. Getting the Diploma is considered to be the equivalent of a degree in motor mechanics.
The City & Guilds offers a large number of different qualifications. They are tailored towards different aspects of motor mechanics, and are based on the experience level and knowledge of students. For instance, the City & Guilds Level 1 IVQ Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair focuses on basic aspects of motor mechanics, such as being able to use tools and common workshop equipment, and knowing how to identify joining methods and materials. However, at Level 2, the qualification becomes a diploma, and focuses on more advanced aspects of motor mechanics, including the removal and replacement of engine units and components, auxiliary electrical units, and chassis units.
The City & Guilds do offer other courses, however. For instance, the Award in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair is a QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) is a qualification earned over a short period of time, with three different levels (depending on one's experience). The qualification is well respected within the industry, and is a valuable one for aspiring car mechanics to have when seeking employment.