| Mechanics repair and service all types of vehicles | | | | Many mechanics get taken on as trainees in order to |
| from cars and motorbikes to vans, Lorries and trucks. | | | | learn whilst on the job. Apprenticeships are a common |
| Mechanics may work in garages, car dealerships, car | | | | route into the profession, where trainees learn whilst at |
| manufacturers, taxi firms, the armed forces and the | | | | work, and take time off to attend classes to gain |
| NHS. They also perform M.O.Ts for customers to | | | | qualifications such as NVQs. There is also a diploma in |
| make sure that the vehicles are roadworthy. | | | | Engineering which teaches the basics of how things |
| Mechanics often work at weekends and in the | | | | work from staplers to car engines, and can provide a |
| evening if there is a lot of work to be completed. | | | | useful background for working as a mechanic. The |
| Mechanics need to be fit as the work involves a great | | | | City and Guilds also run training courses for mechanics. |
| deal of manoeuvring e.g. working underneath vehicles, | | | | Apprentices normally earn over £80 per week, as |
| dealing with heavy parts and lots of standing and | | | | well as being trained and allowed to study. The wage |
| reaching. Once a mechanic has learnt the trade and | | | | will shortly rise to £95 a week. In order to secure an |
| has a lot of work experience he or she will become | | | | apprenticeship, trainees need to have four GCSEs |
| skilled in working out what is wrong with vehicles | | | | including one in maths and one in a science subject. |
| simply by looking at them or listening to the car whilst | | | | And be aged 16-24. |
| running. Mechanics need to have the appropriate | | | | Many garages take on worjers full-time as trainees |
| driving licences for the cars and vehicles they are | | | | and will train them for anything up to three years. |
| working with e.g. if working on HGV vehicles | | | | Employers do not usually ask for trainees to have any |
| mechanics have to be over the age of 21 and hold a | | | | formal academic qualifications, just an enthusiasm for |
| licence which allows them to drive these types of | | | | learning and positive attitude. |
| lorries. | | | | |