Heavy vehicle technician

Career path and progression

You could work for:

• haulage companies
• airports
• organisations that have their own vehicle fleet, like rental companies
• bus and coach companies

With experience, you could become a senior service engineer or workshop manager.

With further training, you could take up a dealer principal role, managing all aspects of a service and repair company’s business.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a HGV driving licence for some jobs.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Engineering - Heavy vehicle technicians work directly with mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems found in lorries, buses, and other large vehicles. Understanding engineering principles is essential for diagnosing faults, dismantling components, and reassembling them correctly.
• Physics - Heavy vehicle technicians need to understand forces, pressure, friction, and fluid dynamics to work with braking systems, hydraulics, and engines. Knowledge of how energy is transferred and how mechanical systems behave helps them diagnose problems and carry out effective repairs.
• Mathematics - Heavy vehicle technicians use maths daily to take precise measurements, calculate torque settings, and interpret technical specifications. They also need to work with tolerances, pressures, and electrical values when testing and adjusting vehicle systems.
• Design and Technology - Heavy vehicle technicians use hand and power tools to dismantle, repair, and reassemble mechanical parts. Understanding how components are designed and manufactured – and being confident working with materials and tools – is central to the job.

Also relevant

• Electronics - Heavy vehicle technicians diagnose and repair electrical faults in vehicle systems, including sensors, control units, and wiring. Modern heavy vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems for engine management, braking, and diagnostics.
• Computer Science - Heavy vehicle technicians use computerised diagnostic equipment to read fault codes and identify problems in engine management and control systems. Understanding how software communicates with vehicle hardware helps them interpret data and configure systems accurately.
• Business - Heavy vehicle technicians deal with customers, order spare parts from suppliers, and complete detailed job records. Those who progress to workshop manager or dealer principal roles need to understand how to manage budgets, staff, and business operations.