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Mechanic Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Mechanic, or a Vehicle Service Technician, repairs and maintains vehicles. Their top duties include diagnosing vehicle faults, repairing or replacing faulty parts and carrying out periodic maintenance.

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Mechanic duties and responsibilities

A Mechanic’s work revolves around ensuring that a vehicle functions efficiently. Their main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing vehicle faults manually or with the aid of software and digital tools
  • Preparing cost and time estimates for work done
  • Repairing and replacing faulty vehicle parts
  • Performing test drives to check repairs
  • Carrying out scheduled servicing and maintenance
  • Updating vehicle service records
  • Installing and fitting new vehicle accessories
  • Maintaining a database of spare parts in the repair garage
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What does a Mechanic do?

A Mechanic performs repair work on all parts of a vehicle, including the engine, exhaust system, air conditioning and electrical system. Their work involves repairs, refurbishment and maintenance. Their goal is to ensure that the vehicle performs optimally. Mechanics work out of a personal or corporate service workshop. They may also work for a vehicle manufacturer.

Mechanics frequently collaborate with other professionals who work on vehicles such as Auto Electricians, Panel Beaters and Lubrication Technicians. They also regularly interface with Vehicle Inspection Officers. A Mechanic may work on all vehicles including cars, bicycles, lorries and trains, or they may be a specialist on a specific type of vehicle. Therefore there are positions such as Motor Mechanics, Bicycle Mechanics etc.

Mechanic skills and qualifications

A successful Mechanic needs to understand how vehicles work, be an excellent problem solvers and should be able to work well with their hands. A successful Mechanic candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • Excellent understanding of the principles of vehicle mechanics
  • Knowledge of engineering technology
  • Working knowledge of repair tools and machinery
  • Manual dexterity
  • Good physical fitness and stamina
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Excellent attention to detail

Mechanic experience requirements

Typically, Mechanics need two to three years of experience working with vehicles in some capacity. This experience can be acquired through an internship. An intermediate or advanced apprenticeship also provides relevant experience. An interest in working with vehicles and a strong foundation in repair and maintenance is required. Other experience requirements vary based on the role, specialisation and hiring company.

Mechanic education and training requirements

The minimum education requirement for a Mechanic is a college level course such as a Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or a Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Technology. Mechanics need to have passed at least two subjects in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations in order to pursue diplomas.

Other relevant training requirements include the Vehicle Mechanic Bundle by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Training requirements also depend on their area of specialisation and Mechanics may be required to pass the vehicle Drivers licensing test for their vehicle of specialisation.

Mechanic salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, Mechanics in the UK can expect to make £29,595 per year. This salary expectation depends on the candidate’s level of experience, area of specialisation, level of training and the specific organisation they work for.

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Mechanic job description FAQs

What are the different types of Mechanics?

Mechanics can be classified according to the type of car they work on for example Auto Mechanics work on cars like sedans saloons, hatchbacks and SUVs and Small Engine Mechanics work on boats, jet-skis, lawn mowers and snowmobiles. Other types of mechanics include Bicycle mechanics, Motorcycle Mechanics, Locomotive Mechanics etc.

Mechanics can also be classified based on the kind of vehicle motor engine they specialise in working on. There are also special Diesel Mechanics for buses, trucks and planes.

Do Mechanics in different industries have different responsibilities?

Yes, a Mechanic’s responsibilities typical vary based on their specific industry. For instance, Mechanics who work in construction deal specially with heavy machinery and all their mechanical parts. They may not have the same skill set as Vehicle Car Mechanics and will not be suited for those roles. Therefore, you need to specify exactly what kind of Mechanic you’re looking and the scope of their work for in your job description.

What is the difference between a Mechanic and a Technician?

A Technician’s responsibilities usually only involve diagnosing problems in vehicles using computer-based tools. A Mechanic may not be trained to use these diagnostic tools. This training depends on where they work and their area of specialty. Their primary responsibility is to repair and replace faulty parts.

Who does a Mechanic report to?

A Mechanic reports to the Senior Workshop Technician, the Garage Manager or, for smaller enterprises, the owner of the garage.

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