How to become an auto electrician

What is an auto electrician?

At its simplest, an auto electrician is a professional who installs and repairs electrical parts in an automotive vehicle.

Auto electricians usually work on vehicles such as cars and buses, but some also work on agricultural vehicles.

What does an auto electrician do?

As the name suggests, an auto electrician works on the electrical side of vehicles. They work on automotive systems such as air conditioning units, circuit boards, headlights, heating systems, radios and more.

And, while duties vary, some everyday responsibilities of an auto electrician might include:

• Identifying and diagnosing problems with electrical systems
• Repairing damaged components and electrical vehicle parts (this will involve using diagnostic tools)
• Liaising with customers about their concerns regarding their vehicles/ processing customer payments
• Fixing and installing new electrical wiring
• Analysing technical diagrams and blueprints
• Testing and troubleshooting vehicle lighting systems

The job can also be quite physically demanding. You’ll often be required to lift and work in confined spaces. So, maintaining your physical fitness is important.

Why should you become an auto electrician?

Working as an auto electrician will provide you with stable work, as well as a decent salary. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to grow and develop in your career!

If you’re naturally inquisitive about electrical and mechanical problems and love finding solutions, you’ll make a great fit.

With the necessary experience, you could also train to become a workshop supervisor or manager.

Perhaps you’re hoping to one day become a mobile mechanic and generate leads. Well, once you’ve gained the necessary experience, you might even want to think about starting your own electrical business.

This will give you job flexibility, and a chance to boost your overall earnings! 

What qualifications and skills do I need?

When you’re training to become an electrician of any kind it’s vital you acquire the necessary skills and qualifications.

When it comes to auto electrician training, there are specific skills and qualifications you’ll need to acquire.

You could become an auto electrician through:

• An apprenticeship
• A college course
• Or applying directly with an employer

Choosing the right auto electrician course can help you get qualifications and experience. As it is advisable to have both, you’ll need to do your researching for applying for training.

Qualifications

If you’re looking to train as an auto electrician course, there are various college courses available.

These include:

• Level 2 Certificate-Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles
• Level 3 Diploma-Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

To enrol on a college course, you’ll usually need: 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course. 4/5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course. 4/5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level.

You could also apply to complete an apprenticeship such as:

• An advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technician apprenticeship
• An advanced vehicle damage, mechanical, electrical and trim technician

As with college courses, you’ll usually some need GCSEs (including Maths and English) for an intermediate apprenticeship. And for an advanced course, it is possible you’ll need 5 GCSEs grades 9-4 (A* to C) including English and Maths.

Skills

As well as formal qualifications, it’s important you work towards developing the necessary skills. Some common skills you’ll need to succeed as an auto electrician are:

• Technical skills: you’ll need to obtain technical skills to carry out your role, including the ability to operate equipment (including power tools)
• Attention to detail: completing precise work is important as an auto electrician. You’ll be working with small parts and intricate wiring in many cases. And, small mistakes can lead to larger problems
• Safety consciousness: you’ll need to make sure you’re extremely safety conscious when working as an auto electrician. Working with wiring as well as heavy machinery means you’ll need to be aware of how to protect yourself
• Firm communication/ customer service skills: you’ll need to be able to effectively share, receive, and process information
• Independent working and time management: as an auto electrician, you’ll often work independently with little supervision. You’ll need self-discipline along with the ability to effectively manage your time

Now, this list is by no means exhaustive (if you’ll excuse the pun). And there are various other skills you’ll need to develop to become a successful auto electrician.

Top tips for becoming a successful auto electrician

We’re aware of how tough it can be when you’re just starting out in any field. Especially in a niche trade such as auto electrician.

So, we’ve collected some top tips to help you establish yourself:

• Obtain the necessary education and skills (this could include formal qualifications)
• Invest in continuous learning to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry
• Network with your peers such as through industry events or online forums with other automotive professionals
• Never neglect safety: Working with electrical systems comes with hazards, so make safety a top priority. Wear the necessary gear, and always follow taught procedures

Investing in equipment, qualifications and skills is important with any trade profession. People will be relying on your knowledge, often at difficult times.

Nailing your business plan and marketing can get your business in front of the right potential customers. So when they’re looking to have repairs carried out, they can find your business.

Checkatrade is here to help you

We know how daunting it can be when you’re just starting or are establishing your own business. But Checkatrade is here to help.

As a Checkatrade member, you’ll be able to set up your own profile and boost your leads. You’ll also get exclusive savings on workwear and tools to help you get started.

Other benefits to a membership include:

• Guarantee of work (if booked through us) for up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
• 20% off the cost of your public liability insurance
• Exclusive offers and discounts
• Job management through out Checkatrade trades app
• Access to our time-saving quoting and invoicing tool

Check out how else Checkatrade will help you and your new business thrive!

Auto electrician FAQs

How long will it take me to train?

Different routes into the trade take different lengths of time. For instance, a Level 2 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles is a full-time, one-year course. And apprenticeships can often take longer (usually 3-4 years).

How much do auto electricians earn?

An auto electrician’s salary ranges from £17,000 (early career) to £37,000+ (experienced). Also, something to consider is that many auto electricians also work ‘on call’, meaning they work as and when customers demand.

Salaries vary by location and experience level. Plus, pursuing additional training and developing expert skills may mean you’ll be able to boost your earnings.