Auto electrician

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could become:

• a workshop controller or manager
• an automotive or motorsport engineer
• a skills trainer

You might also start your own business.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence, which might include LGV (lorries) or PCV (buses), depending on the vehicles you work with.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Auto electricians need a solid understanding of electricity, including circuits, voltage, current, and resistance, to diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems. They also work with electromagnetic principles found in motors, alternators, and sensors throughout modern vehicles.
• Mathematics - Auto electricians use maths daily to calculate electrical values like voltage, current, and resistance using formulas such as Ohm's law. They also need to read technical diagrams, interpret measurements from diagnostic equipment, and work out tolerances when fitting components.
• Electronics - Auto electricians work directly with electronic control units, sensors, and circuit boards that manage everything from engine performance to safety systems. Understanding how electronic components and circuits function is essential for diagnosing faults and fitting new parts.
• Engineering - Auto electricians work within complex mechanical and electrical systems, especially as vehicles increasingly use hybrid and fully electric powertrains. Understanding engineering principles helps them see how electrical systems interact with the rest of the vehicle and troubleshoot problems effectively.
• Design and Technology - Auto electricians use practical skills every day – working with hand tools, reading technical drawings, and solving real-world problems in a workshop environment. Experience with materials, components, and building functional systems translates directly into the hands-on nature of this work.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Auto electricians connect laptops and diagnostic devices to a vehicle's electronic control unit to read fault codes and take system readings. Understanding how software communicates with hardware helps them navigate increasingly complex vehicle management systems.
• Business - Auto electricians often progress to running their own businesses or managing workshops. Understanding how to price jobs, manage finances, and deal with customers is valuable for those who want to work independently or take on leadership roles.