what is an auto electrician?
Auto electricians inspect, install, repair and maintain electronic systems in motor vehicles. After working for a few years, you can pursue career advancement as a fleet repair supervisor.
Your job involves using advanced diagnostic equipment, hand tools and specialised electrical instruments. As an auto electrician, typical vehicle repairs include fixing alternators, air conditioning systems and lights. You can also work on electrical wiring, repair vehicle safety systems and troubleshoot the latest electronic devices in new vehicle models.
The driving factor of becoming an auto electrician is your curiosity about how things work. Working as an auto electrician provides a decent salary and great daily satisfaction if you have a natural aptitude for investigating electrical and mechanical problems. You require a variety of skills and knowledge to become an auto electrician. For instance, knowledge of electrical systems results from curiosity about how vehicles work. You also need to develop creative solutions for fixing various problems.
As an auto electrician, you work in vehicle garages, general mechanics, repair shops or car dealerships. Opportunities are also available in industrial companies that assemble or manufacture vehicle parts.
Would working as an auto mechanic suit your mechanical aptitude? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an auto electrician role.
auto electrician jobsaverage salary of an auto electrician
According to National Careers, your starting salary as an auto electrician is £17,000 per year. When you improve your skills and expertise, your pay increases to £37,000 annually. Auto electricians can also charge customers for call-out services, so if a customer's car breaks down on the road, you will receive additional pay for going to fix it. Most employers provide overtime pay, especially if you work in a manufacturing plant.
what factors affect the salary of an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, your salary depends on your skillset and expertise. For instance, if you have specialist knowledge in braking systems, repairing air conditioning systems and electrical wiring in cars, you can demand a higher salary for your expert knowledge. Your experience also influences your pay since you learn more about cars with every repair, and customers trust you with their vehicles.
The industry you work for also dictates your pay structure. For instance, a small garage or vehicle repair shop may not afford to pay a high salary compared to large auto service stations. The manufacturing industry also provides a higher pay potential, and you enjoy multiple benefits.
types of auto electrician
Some types of auto electricians include:
- front-end technicians: your job involves handling all front-end repairs in a vehicle. That includes arranging the wheels, axles and frames to ensure proper alignment.
- air conditioning auto electrician: as an auto technician, you can specialise in repairing vehicles' heating and air conditioning systems. You diagnose the sources of malfunctions and troubleshoot the problems to ensure the system works as expected.
- brake auto technicians: since braking systems have extensive electrical connections, you ensure they function as expected. You perform a diagnostic test to identify the source of the problem before performing the necessary repairs.
working as an auto electrician
Working as an auto electrician involves repairing defects in a motor vehicle's electronics and electrical components. You require mechanical aptitude and extensive knowledge of electronics to succeed in the role. Let's explore your career options and duties.
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auto electrician job description
Some of the tasks of an auto electrician include:
- diagnosing problems in vehicle's electrical systems: as an auto electrician, you identify problems in a car's electronic systems. You can use diagnostic tools to identify the cause of the problem. Once you identify the cause of a problem, you should provide the client with the estimated cost and repair time.
- • repairing damaged and faulty electrical parts: your job is to resolve problems in the electrical systems. The work involves replacing faulty wiring and troubleshooting vehicle electrical systems. Whether the vehicle needs work on the braking or air conditioning system, you need to repair the damage.
- replacing damaged components: when electrical components are damaged beyond repair, you should remove and replace the parts. If you don't have the spare parts in the garage or repair shop, you can order them. It is important to inform the client of the changes and replacements you are making to the vehicle.
- carrying out checks and tests: after finishing all the repair work, you conduct tests and checks to ensure the vehicle is operating well. For instance, if you replace the braking system, you must ensure it functions as expected and doesn't interfere with other vehicle parts.
- improving and enhancing a vehicle's electrical system: as an auto electrician, you fit accessories like GPS navigation, parking sensors and LCDs at a client's request.
- conducting maintenance and safety inspections: as an auto electrician, your job involves performing electromechanical maintenance on vehicles. You need to test the batteries and charging systems and check the headlight beam alignment and other computerised components.
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work environment
Your work environment depends on your specific job and employer. As an auto electrician, you work in electronics retail stores, car dealerships, repair shops and manufacturing plants. Some repair shops maintain high levels of cleanliness and organisation, while others do not. The work can be dirty, but individuals maintain their hygiene based on personal preferences. Most auto electricians work in bright, well-ventilated repair shops, but working with greasy tools and auto parts is part of the job.
As an auto electrician, your job involves frequent lifting and using heavy tools, and your work results in occasional burns, scrapes and bruises. You also need to wear protective clothing like overalls and gloves. Sometimes, you use goggles to protect your eyes. The auto electrician role requires your physical presence, so you cannot work remotely or complete your work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in vehicle garages or car dealerships, your colleagues might include motor vehicle fitters, breakdown engineers and electronics technicians. You might also be working alongside motor mechanics, maintenance supervisor, plant operator, and construction plant mechanics as well as other specialists that could include warehouse workers, automotive engineers and motorsport engineers.
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work schedule
Your work schedule can vary tremendously depending on where you work. Large auto manufacturers, retailers and repair shops often have multiple shifts, including night work. Smaller shops may work longer than average hours when business booms. The typical working hours of an auto electrician are 40 to 44 hours a week. Sometimes, you work overtime or wait for clients to pick up their cars. You are often on call for repairs if a customer's car breaks down on the road.
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job outlook
With the increased popularity of electric cars, the demand for auto electricians is likely to increase. Specialisation in repairing electrical and electronic components in vehicles gives you the knowledge to work on electric cars. You can improve your skills and specialise in one aspect of repairs, like the braking system, or become a front-end technician. You can also progress to become an electrical engineer in manufacturing plants and take up supervisory roles.
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advantages of finding an auto electrician job through randstad
Finding your auto electrician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an auto electrician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of auto electricians include:
- college course: to become an auto electrician, you can do courses like a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in light vehicle maintenance and repair. You can also pursue a T Level qualification in maintenance, installation and repairs.
- apprenticeship: you can get into the auto electrician career through an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship programme. You need 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 to join the programme. As well as coursework, you receive on the job training.
auto electrician skills and competencies
Some of the personal attributes you need as an auto technician include:
- knowledge of electrical systems: unless you're an electrical savant, you probably won't start from scratch. Your intense curiosity about how things work has perhaps already inspired you to learn about vehicle electrical systems, tools and safety precautions. Knowledge of such systems will make you an excellent problem-solver since you know the functions of each part.
- mechanical aptitude: this helps you quickly absorb new information about mechanical systems. Most auto electricians intuitively grasp theoretical and practical applications of scientific principles like displacement and the results of forces on objects.
- electronic knowledge: as an auto electrician, you already understand how circuit boards, processors and chips work. Having some computer management and programming skills gives you an extra advantage.
- understanding diagnostic equipment: diagnostic equipment narrows down electrical problems automatically. You must be proficient in using the equipment to diagnose vehicle issues.
- familiarity with vehicle makes and models: your knowledge of various vehicle models is critical in making proper repairs and replacements. Auto electricians also need to identify classes of vehicles and rental agency classification systems.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an auto electrician
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what are an auto electrician's duties?
The typical duties of an auto electrician include repairing vehicle electrical systems. That includes electrical wiring, non-functioning electrical devices and damaged electrical parts. You also work on lighting and electrical equipment and systems on agricultural machinery. You might repair buses, motorcycles or recreational vehicles. Want to learn more about working as an auto electrician? Then check out this article.
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what are car electricians called?
Those who work on the electrical systems of any vehicle are called auto electricians. This is a particular trade that requires workers to obtain journeyman electrical certification. You install new electrical systems and components, repair damaged wiring and devices or specialise in specific systems like vehicle air conditioning. Want to learn more about working as an auto electrician? Then check out this article.
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what is the highest paying electrician job?
The highest paying electrician jobs include electrical technician roles, supervisors, industrial electricians, solar installers and automation technicians. These are all related fields and possible targets for lateral job advancement for auto electricians. Want to learn more about working as an auto electrician? Then check out this article.
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do mechanics do electrical work?
A general mechanic doesn't qualify legally to make electrical repairs. Auto electricians have the skills to understand electrical diagrams and electronics, install new parts and systems and repair damages. However, most auto electricians have enough experience to perform basic car maintenance services. Want to learn more about working as an auto electrician? Then check out this article.
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what skills do you need to be an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, the basic skills you need include diagnosing electrical problems from verbal communications and diagnostic equipment, a detail-oriented work ethic and analytical and problem-solving abilities. Want to learn more about working as an auto electrician? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for an auto electrician vacancy?
Applying for an auto electrician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
