Vehicle Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) Technicians identify damaged mechanical and electrical components in vehicles which have usually been involved in an accident.
The Work
You could be:
assessing the extent of damage to mechanical and electrical components
stripping and refitting vehicle parts that have accident damage
repairing or replacing damaged panels and components to a required standard
using diagnostic equipment to diagnose and fix electrical faults
fixing mechanical damage such as engine, suspension or steering
using a computerised machine to align wheels
ordering necessary parts from the parts department
working from a job card detailing work to be done
preparing an invoice for work done and passing it to the accounts department.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting salaries may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024).
Apprentices may earn between £7,500 to £13,000 a year.
A qualified vehicle MET technician may earn around £30,000 to £35,000 a year. You can increase this by overtime and bonuses. More experienced technicians may earn up to £50,000 a year or more.
Conditions
You will usually work in an accident repair centre where there could be a lot of dust, noise and paint fumes.
You may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions and you will wear protective clothing.
You might have to lift heavy parts by yourself or by using lifting equipment.
You will work around 40 hours a week and sometimes do overtime.
You would normally work Monday to Friday, but may have to do overtime in the evenings and weekends.
Training for a Modern Apprenticeship usually lasts three years. You would attend college or a training centre on a day or block release basis.
You would complete SVQ Vehicle Accident Repair Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) at SCQF Level 6.
You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive (SCQF Level 4) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
You may work towards the IMI Accreditation Mechanical, Electrical, Trim (MET). This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests. There are two levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Mechanical, Electrical, Trim (MET): Technician and Senior Technician.
You will need to keep up to date with new materials that vehicle manufacturers use.
Getting On
After getting experience, you could become a senior technician, supervisor or manager.
You could move into training.
More Information
For more information please see the organisations listed below:
2024
