Becoming a Mechanic

Author: Lucy Debenham

It seems as though most people either love or hate mechanics. Vehicle owners have either found a competent mechanic that they trust, or else they have a long list of horror stories about how their car emerged from the garage in a worse shape than when it went in. Mechanics service and repair practically anything with an engine and wheels, from motorbikes to lorries and coaches. They work with a wide variety of systems, both mechanical and electrical.

Apprenticeships

One excellent way to accomplish a career change and become a mechanic is through an apprenticeship. This type of arrangement allows you to work, get paid and learn the job at the same time. You'll find out about the actual working conditions of the job first-hand while you are trained under the mentorship of an experienced mechanic. However, you should be aware that most mechanic apprenticeships are really only available for individuals aged 16 to 24.

If you're already working somewhere else and want to change careers, there are other ways to become a mechanic. Local shops may be willing to hire you and provide on-the-job training, especially if you demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of automotive mechanics. You should expect this type of learning-while-earning arrangement to last from three to four years. Alternatively, if you can afford to take the time off without regular pay, you can study full-time at a local college to get the training you need. Yet another possibility to look at would be completing a vocational qualification after following a self-study course.

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What Skills?

Today's automotive mechanic works with finely-tuned, computer-controlled engines. Repair shops will be looking at your background not only for industrial arts and safety training, but they will likely want to see some computer science as well. In addition, you must hold a driving licence valid for the type of vehicles you'll be servicing. Finally, given the demands of the position, you should be in good physical condition.

Other Skills you will find useful as a mechanic include knowledge of motor vehicle technology and new developments in the industry. Good problem-solving skills are a must, and your employers and customers will be happier if you work quickly and accurately.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Typical Job Role

What are you likely to be doing on a daily basis if you become a mechanic? Of course, you'll be repairing vehicles that have developed a problem or have been involved in an accident. You may also be involved in regular maintenance to keep vehicles operating in peak condition. With experience and extra qualifications, you may become involved in MOT testing. You will be working with a wide variety of hand tools, power tools and electrical equipment.

The outlook for mechanic jobs remains strong. In fact, as vehicles become more complicated and as government standards become more stringent, properly maintaining them will require professional servicing. You may find employment in several different venues, including local garages and national chains. There are also opportunities for mechanics wherever you find a large fleet of vehicles, including police agencies, taxi companies and even the armed forces.

Engineering Opportunities

Ever thought of working as an engineer? If so, our article Working in Construction & Engineering will give you an insight into the job propects and training requirements.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Career Change Matcher lets you tell us what is not working and what you want instead and we will match you with career paths that fit. Try it now →

76 questions

Ask A Career Change a Question

Rob 28/04/2023 at 11:21 pm

Hi.
I'm 57 and have been working at a dealership for just 4 months. I love cars and would be an honour to be able to service or repair them! Am I too old? I have virtually no experience in mechanics but the work has always fascinated me. I often watch and admire the technicians and find it interesting what they do and achieve. Sadly my finances wouldn't be able to fund training, I believe my chances are zero! Any thoughts would be appreciated!! Thanks for reading my post!

clarkey 22/09/2022 at 6:10 pm

I have just started back at college on my final year. I am on level 3 Motor vehicle and I am a 57 year old woman. You are never too old. Go for it while you can!

Total Custard 24/08/2020 at 5:15 pm

Hi I'm a 35, and currently an aircraft mechanic, with a city and guilds Level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering and a
NVQ Level 2 and 3 in the same. With the Aviaiton industry currently tanking I was wondering what would be the bbest way to get into automotive maintenance?

Azza 27/07/2020 at 6:21 pm

Hi I am a HGV Driver & work nights & Looking to do a HGV Mechanic course & was wondering if I’m too old to learn?

nita 01/06/2020 at 11:22 am

I'm 40 I failed myatric I'm working in motor industry I want to do motor mechanics but I'm not sho if there is any chance for me

alihon 07/01/2020 at 4:41 pm

I work in an FE college and I would like to highlight the fact that the advice given here is not correct. There are very few colleges which can offer places on their full-time motor vehicle courses to anyone over 19. This is government policy. The government expects everyone over 19 to study through the apprenticeship route, which is very tough as there are not nearly enough apprenticeships to meet the demand from adults who want to retrain in motor vehicle. There are also very few colleges which offer evening classes in motor vehicle studies for adults. Lastly, you mention that September is a good time to contact colleges because that's when courses start. This is not correct - it's the time when courses are already full. It's the worst time to start contacting colleges. If people are going to stand any chance then they need to apply many, many months in advance - October or November for the following September. I do think it's always worth trying, but it's important to go in with full and clear information. Good luck to everyone!

ferrari 04/12/2019 at 10:16 am

im 13 and thinking that mechanics is where i want to go, but im not sure what gcse`s to take could anyone help please

Anu 05/11/2019 at 9:39 am

Hi, I am a graduate of physic with electronics and am 22 and i want to be a mechanic. I interned as a mechanic in a car company but now i want to fully learn to be a mechanic. How do I go about it?

Woody 02/09/2019 at 9:21 pm

Hi I'm 28 and work full time nights in a job I want to get out of and would like to study/train to become a motor mechanic. How would I go around finding the right course ect.

Titch7789 22/04/2018 at 7:20 pm

I am thinking of doing a mechanic course. I was a painter and decorator by trade but left due to mental health. Should i do it?

ACareerChange Editor 07/03/2018 at 12:38 pm

No there's no reason why it would be considered too old. You have lots of life and employment experience that would be useful as a mechanic.

Em 06/03/2018 at 11:27 am

I’m 37 and seriously contemplating a change in career from film production to automotive repair. I’ll be 38 by the time the mechanics course starts in September, is that too old to start studying for a job as a mechanic/technician?

ACareerChange Editor 05/09/2017 at 10:54 am

Many colleges offer part time or evening courses - the easiest way to find out is simply to contact those local to you, or check their websites. The good thing is that September is a great time to be looking as most of the courses start then!

Ryan 02/09/2017 at 3:19 pm

Hello I'm 27 in full time employment in child care. I have basic qualifications in car body repair and have a nvq 2 mechanical engineering but I don't want to work with kids for ever so need a get out plan. I've always being interested in cars and how they work but can't risk leaving my job has I have children and no other income. Is they any night courses or weekend courses I can do to achieve these qualifications.

Mark 01/12/2016 at 11:11 pm

I'm 24 and work a full 40 hours a week which i can't come away from. I've always wanted to get into mechanics as I'm a big car nut. I only know basic stuff, but was wondering is there anyway of doing a course that can be carried out of a night and is there any help with funding etc to go with that? Thanks

ACareerChange Editor 07/11/2016 at 11:33 am

It might be worth asking around your local garages etc - they will be able to tell you whether there is a chance of any work with on-the-job training that perhaps includes the opportunity to gain more qualifications.

chris 05/11/2016 at 8:36 am

Im 32 currently working full time shift work. I have city and guild motor vehicle repair level one. this was back in 2001. I left college after a year personal reasons. I want to back into this field and don't know how and what to do. I looked at college courses but not part time evening classes just full time.

Riff 25/10/2016 at 1:09 pm

Hi..I am 43 years old. I would like to explore at my age, is there any limitation of doing mechanic apprenticeship.
No formal experience in mechanics since previously I am a bankers. But i really love anything about car...

mitch 24/08/2016 at 9:03 am

Hi i'm 21 years old and i work full time right now, but i would like to learn how to become a mechanic. I've emailed my local college regarding learning while im working in my current job, but i have had no response yet. Can you help me? I have a brilliant grasp with computers from my childhood hold qualifications in that. Cheers.

Mommy 19/08/2016 at 12:53 pm

I'm a 33 year old woman I have 3 dependent children i have been a health care assistant for 17 years but would love to become a machanic every laughs at me when I say this, as a mom of 3 I need to be able to earn while I train is this possible and how to find somewhere or is it just a dream..

Matt 04/08/2016 at 5:36 pm

I am 37 years old and have done enough of the warehouse jobs. My last role in the warehouse was a team leader. I will like to change it all. Have loved cars and chosen to to be an auto mechanic. How do I go about that.
Thanks.

ACareerChange Editor 14/07/2016 at 11:27 am

Some of the skills you pick up will be transferable to other vehicles as a hobby, and if you want to transfer to light vehicles as a career there will be other training opportunities to make that easier. Salaries tend to vary depending on what type of company and where you are in the country. We've seen a variation from £23k to £40k in a recent search.

Undecisive 11/07/2016 at 3:34 pm

Hi, im 17 year old boy. Im thinking of doing an apprenticeship as a HGV technician (interview soon) just wondering if when im qualified after the apprenticeship would i be able to work on cars too (just as a hobby) could my knowledge of HGV's be transferred into light vehicles and help me fix cars etc or is that a different story that requires seperate training? Also im confused about the salary, some websites claim its around £15k-£25k but most job advertisements are offering a salary around £35-£40 k?

ACareerChange Editor 10/06/2016 at 2:06 pm

Some colleges offer part time courses in this so it's worth looking to see if you can do a refresher/upgrade to supplement your existing knowledge and give you the HGV qualification. Your employer or another haulage company etc might be willing to take you on on an apprentice/trainee basis as you already have vehicle mechanics knowledge.

Joey 09/06/2016 at 3:57 am

Hi, I'm 30 and currently a HGV driver, I used to be in the Automotive industry before that, and at college I studied vehicle mechanics, after some long hard thinking I have decided that I would like to work on HGVs instead. How can I go about this? Many thanks.

Mattyj3388 28/04/2016 at 8:15 pm

Hi, I'm a 28 year old currently in a very well paid full time job but have a passion for vehicles and repairing them. I'm will to sacrifice alot to get into a career of mechanics, I was wondering if you can assist in possible routes into such career. I find a vast majority of apprenticeships are only for 18-24 year olds and rarely anything for older people.

ACareerChange Editor 27/04/2016 at 11:56 am

Some college courses can be undertaken part time in the evenings and are not too expensive. Other than that you should look at online job sites and your local newspapers, job centre etc to see if any trainee mechanic jobs are available.

Timhgv 26/04/2016 at 12:12 pm

Hello, I wonder if you can help.I am 27 and in a dead end job but always dreamed of becoming a mechanic. I cant afford to go back to college As I got a family .i don't know to find anywhere that will pay and train me to become a mechanic.What would be your best advice for me I live in South Wales.i have book to do my Hgv class 1 and 2

ACareerChange Editor 02/02/2016 at 12:59 pm

A night school class would be relatively inexpensive and would mean he could continue working whilst gaining the qualications. There will not be many companies that will take on an employee and train them up unless it's on an apprenticeship style scheme.

Lil_Ginge95 01/02/2016 at 10:05 am

Hello, I wonder if you can help.
My boyfriend is 30 and he's in a dead end job but always dreamed of becoming a mechanic. He cant afford to go back to college nor have an apprenticeship because he has a daughter and a family to support. He desperately wants to get out of the job he's in but struggling to find anywhere that will pay and train him to become a mechanic.

What would be your best advice for him?

Noxious89123 28/01/2016 at 1:39 pm

I'd say don't bother doing a college course. I did just that, but without any experience no where wants to employ me. They'd much rather have 16y/o apprentices that they can pay did all.

Annoyed!

angrytechy 05/10/2015 at 8:54 pm

Never become a mechanic unless you get a main dealer apprenticeship you're wasting your time! money at independent garages sucks so bad you are essentially a slave to be abused by some angry boss. If you do full time college course none of the idiot bosses will take you on as they're all retarded idiots that think they can hire a master tech with 10 years experience for 16k per year lol. Do yourself a favor and get GCSE Maths and English grade C or above and do an access course at college then go to Uni for 3 years n come out to a starting salary of about 30k per year. Don't listen to me and you will regret it for the rest of your sorry life.

Lewis 17/09/2015 at 8:14 pm

Hello I am looking at doing a mechanic course (2 of them) but the problem I have is I'm in full time employment as I'm 20 years of age and I need to find a part time job to be able to pay the fees for the course. what do you recommend on doing? I was thinking of getting into a garage job to work on cars, but do you think this will work? please email me

ACareerChange Editor 11/09/2015 at 12:21 pm

The requirements are different depending on what level course you intend to start at. A NVQ level 1 equivalent course would require some GCSE passes. A level 3 equivalent course would require 5 GCSE passes including maths and english. Online courses in car mechanics are rare as there is a siginificant practical element involved.

ste2910 11/09/2015 at 8:58 am

Hi i have been a mechanic for 8 years with an nvq level 2 in light vehicle repair I've been working on hgvs for the last three years where can I go to take the tests to become a qualified hgv technician? I'm 24

Ketchem 10/09/2015 at 2:47 pm

Hello I am 17 I would like to be a mechanic car. I have greate ambition to become mechanic, I have applied last year to take the course. I really love fix car. Someone who can tell me in what subject you have to be good and can you tell me can I take it online or on you.

ACareerChange Editor 01/09/2015 at 12:58 pm

Good luck. We hope the above article helped.

Faz 31/08/2015 at 10:40 pm

I'm 28 I want to be car mechanic it's my hobbie to fix car

ACareerChange Editor 06/08/2015 at 2:27 pm

Apprenticeships are not usually available to people much older than early twenties. It will be worth asking at your local college though. You could also apply to undertake a non-apprentice based course at college, you can take advantage of various adult learning grants if you find the right course.

brad 06/08/2015 at 1:31 pm

Im 33 . Is it possible for me to begin a diesel mechanics course , or an apprenticeship ?
I have basic skills and experience in this field but no certification. Thanks brad

ACareerChange Editor 05/08/2015 at 10:41 am

@Athena. Apprenticeships are usually available once you've past year 11. We're guessing that as you're 14, you are just about to start year 10. Over the next two years you'll be studying various subjects at GCSE level, but some schools also offer vocational training such as BTECs etc. Focus on the design/practical aspects as well as science and maths if you can. When you're in year 11 your school will offer you an appointment with a careers adviser so you should use that opportunity to find out more about various apprenticeships. There's also no harm in contacting your local colleges to see what mechanic apprenticeships are available in your area. Good Luck.

Athena 05/08/2015 at 1:28 am

Hi I am 14 and would like a mechanics course in my near future.i love fixing and dismantling cars so i would love an apprenticeship so if you can get to me that would be great

ACareerChange Editor 03/03/2015 at 9:50 am

@Carlover.It may be worth apply directly to employers to see if they will take you on as a trainee mechanic. You should also ask at Job centre plus what the options are for finding an apprenticeship or a trainee job. Don't give up if this is what you want to do, but do keep asking people in your area.

car lover 26/02/2015 at 7:29 pm

Hello I'm 23 years old and have been trying to get an apprenticeship since I was 18 but never heard back from ones I applied to. Because I'm too old for government funding it's impossible for me to find one now and I'm out of ideas and would like to know if anyone knows company's which deal with finding apprentices my age to fund for light vehicle maintenance I already have my level 1 city and guilds diploma.

ACareerChange Editor 26/02/2015 at 12:38 pm

@L. Your son's school should have a career counsellor or be able to put your son in touch with one. Usually at year 11 pupils are given the opportunity to speak with a careers adviser on a one-to-one basis. At year 9 - the options do not always focus on specific careers however. Local colleges offer a range of courses from mechanical engineering to vehicle mechanics and maintenance, so it may be worth checking out the entry requirements for these. Some schools offer more vocational courses (such as BTECs) even at year 10 - as an alternative or addition to GCSEs so you should check with the school. For a start point the requirements for an aircraft technician (mechanical) are Grade C or equivalent in English language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject - there's a list of these on their website here.

L 24/02/2015 at 10:17 am

I have a 14 year old son who is interested in car/plane mechanics. He is due to finalise his school options within the next month and would like to know which would be best to aid his possible career in mechanics.
Do you know of any courses (within the Kent area) that he might attend to give him an idea of what is involved.

Many thanks

jez 23/01/2015 at 2:31 pm

I am good worker.
I would love to become a motor vehiclo mechanic, working in Penrith or Carlisle.

ACareerChange Editor 03/11/2014 at 9:46 am

@ Kian and Brad Beck. Hope you find the above article answers your questions. Good luck

Kian 31/10/2014 at 11:58 am

Hi I'm 13, and I have always been interested in power and complexity in engines and every aspect of a car. I was wondering how to get in to mechanical business and what qualifications I would need or where I would need to go to help me if anybody could give me information that would be greatly appreciated.

Kian.

Brad Beck 08/09/2014 at 5:07 pm

Hi,
I'm 14 and have just started year 10/4th year. I am interested in becoming a mechanic and was wondering how many GCSE's I would need to get into college and if there are any particular subjects I need.
Any other advice would really be appreciated
Thank you
Brad

Suzuki_Marauder 12/08/2014 at 3:16 am

Hi I'm 19 and I've always had a massive interest in anything with an engine but with no qualifications in regards to the industry I don't think anyone would even give me a second glance. I know the general maintenance on a motorcycle, changing oil, sprockets and chain, cables etc but I'd like to further my knowledge and move into other vehicles as well, can anyone help/advice me what I can do, I guess apprenticeships are my best bet but I doubt anyone will take me on.

krazylittleracer 13/07/2014 at 6:50 pm

Hi, im a female 19 and I want to be a HGV mechanic. I have experience in HGV from a recent work experience placement but i only have a part completed level 2 light vehicle qualification IMI Award from college from a few years back and not very high grades. Is there any way i could possibly get an apprenticeship or something?, as im aiming to get a career in HGV mechanics and my work history is only retail and admin at a commercial garage.

ACareerChange Editor 20/06/2014 at 11:41 am

@HGV. Thanks for telling us about your HGV mechanic experiences, we hope it continues to go well for you.

hgv 19/06/2014 at 7:10 pm

Hi. Am a self employed hgv mechanic going through my level 2. Iam 30 and it's never to late to learn. I got my course paid for me as iam self employed. I will say tho being a hgv mechanic is not easy as they is much more to think about on a truck then a car. And don't forget everything weights 10 times more. I attend the college once every 2 months if that. And am there for 30 mins tops. The reason being am learning myself so all I need to show is evidence of my work.

azzu 23/05/2014 at 8:10 pm

hi, i' m 28 and i' m interested into cars. I want work on cars ,but i dont have any knowledge of cars , i really want to do it as a profession with good earning for myself. Am I too old to start at 28? if not where do I start?

sam cars 30/01/2014 at 4:54 pm

Hi I am 30 and im into cars, I've worked on cars, my own car and have a little knowledge of them but really want to do it as a profession with qualifications. Am I too old to start at 30? if not where do I start?

Ash 24/06/2013 at 6:19 pm

Im 24 and really want to become a mechanic but don't really want to go back to college full time is there any part time or work from home courses or training I can do?

Ben 12/06/2013 at 12:11 pm

Am 33years is it possible to learn mechanic

umair 23/09/2012 at 10:34 pm

Hi im 17 and wondering where can i get apprenticeships???

helpme 17/09/2012 at 1:20 pm

I have a son who fro one reason or another can't cope with college. He has been accepted on an apprenticeship but still can't cope with college for one day. He has been learning mechanics for 1 year and is very competent. Is there any learn from home - self study that he could do so that he can get qualified and not let his inability to go to college leave him on the scrap heap?

Matt 12/06/2012 at 12:57 pm

I am 15 (almost) and want to be a Mechanic (HGV) and wonder where do I start, what qualifications do I need etc. I have just started 4th year and am looking to head in the right direction. Any advice would be gratefully received.

thank you

Sam85 20/05/2012 at 10:54 pm

Hello, im 27 years old and have a passion for cars but dont have any qualifications with vehicles and really want to become a mechanic. So far i have read that many companies only take on apprentises you if are aged between 16 and 24, is there any way of getting an apprentis posistion at my age?

ACareerChange Editor 23/04/2012 at 10:19 am

@mechanicgirl. You have understood it correctly. You can't start an apprenticeship until you're 16. You may be able to do a vocational course that is related to car mechanics in school, before you get to 16 . Ask your form tutor for details.

mechanicalgirl 21/04/2012 at 1:43 pm

hey im only 14 and in year 9!i want to become a mechanic, I thought that the best way to do that is to start training in work experience next year then move on to a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. The only knowledge I know about a car is just the basic stuff that my older brothers have taught me over the years (like checking the oil and water and how to change a tyre). I thought that, that was the best option but I don't really know and I was just looking to see if anyone had any other better ways to start off my career!thanks! :)

g 13/04/2012 at 2:19 pm

I am 27 and interested in becoming a mechanic, although I have never done any practical mechanics before. What training options are available to me? Also, I am female and concerned about whether I am likely to face discrimination because of this. Any advice welcome.

becky r 09/01/2012 at 11:59 am

hey im interested in working on police cars im only 15 and yer of course im a girl whats a good website to go on ?

kmp 06/12/2011 at 9:12 am

Hey, I am a female interesting in doing the 4 year course at college to become a mechanic. I have always been interested in cars, but the most work i've ever done on one is changing a flat tire and tire pressure stuff. What would be some basic knowledge that i should learn before going into the course so i at least know somewhat what i'm doing until i learn the material?

Marc A4e 27/10/2011 at 1:52 pm

Hi,

I work for Action for Employment (A4e) in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where I help the unemployed find suitable and sustained employment.

I have an 18yr old customer who has expressed an interest in working as a mechanic and has some previous college experience, but no quals.

Can you offer any advice on how I can proceed with my customer in helping him to gain an apprenticeship please?

Spencer 12/10/2011 at 1:57 pm

Im looking for a apprenticeship in mechanics I have a 2 year old son. I'm 21 years of age and I would like to have my own garage by the time my Son is 18, so I can pass it down.

BooRJ 21/06/2011 at 4:38 pm

Charley Cars, whats your real name? You remind me of a friend I know in Gford lol. Does anyone know how long after starting an apprenticeship I can hand in my notice? Say, its only been a month and i hate it! How soon?

mark 09/05/2011 at 10:15 am

Very interested in becoming a mechanic from scratch Can any independent company or national employ me.

jj 06/04/2011 at 5:20 pm

Hey I am only 14 and when am older I would like to be a Train Mechanic which I have heard about and this sounds good ! Do you have any relevant information about what I have to do to become a train mechanic and how much money I could earn a year?

CharleyCars 31/03/2011 at 3:01 pm

I'm female and would like to become a mechanic, however when I speak to blokes at garages about it, they seem to find it highly hilarious and think it's a joke. They also have the nerve to suggest that a receptionist type job would suit better, and to be quite honest, yes I'm a girl but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and I grew up around cars so it's something I would really like to do.

Kwheeler 28/03/2011 at 3:39 pm

Hi, I'm 20 and looking for an apprenticeship in mechanics, however I'm female and noone seems to want to reply to my applications. How is the best way for me to try? Mechanics is a career i've wanted to get into for years. Can you help? Thanks.

ACareerChange 15/03/2011 at 11:38 am

There are many vocational courses available at colleges in most areas. They combine practical work (working with trained mechanics) with college work. This would be your best route and can often by taken part time to fit in existing work committments.

Rfisher84 15/03/2011 at 11:18 am

Hi, I know apprenticeships are only available up to 24, however I'm 26 and really want to change careers and become a mechanic. Is there anyway I can do it?

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