Car mechanic

Car mechanic is about finding faults, repairing and servicing cars. You learn how a modern car works together — from engine and brakes to electronics and driver assistance systems — and how to get it running safely again. The training is built up in two stages: first you become a car assembler, and if you continue, you become a car mechanic.

§What do you do in everyday life?

A typical day in the workshop alternates between scheduled service inspections and cars that come in with a fault you must track down. You connect diagnostic equipment read fault codes take apart components measure and test — and put it all back together so the car is safe to send back on the road. A large part of the job is talking with customers and colleagues about what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix it.

• 01You learn systematic troubleshooting — moving from symptom to cause instead of guessing.
• 02You work with both mechanics and modern car electronics and control systems.
• 03You get paid during most of your training, because you are apprenticed to a workshop.
• 04Car technology is developing rapidly (electric and hybrid vehicles), so you are constantly learning something new.
• 05You see a tangible result of your work every day: a car that works again.
• 06Skilled mechanics are in demand, and you can work across the country.

§How do you get started?

You typically start with a basic course at a vocational school, where you learn the basic craft and workshop safety. Then the education alternates between school stays and practice as an apprentice at an auto workshop, where you learn the trade in practice. You can start directly after primary school or later in life — many switch to the trade after other work.

§The way forward

As a fully trained mechanic you can specialise in certain car brands in electric and hybrid cars or in diagnosing complex faults. With experience you can become a workshop foreman service manager or start your own workshop. The trade can also be a stepping stone to further education in for example automation or technology.

“When you've found a fault nobody else could crack and the car rolls out again — that's the best feeling in the trade.”