Roadside assistance technician
Roadside assistance technicians help people whose vehicles have broken down.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a roadside assistance technician, you could:
- respond to breakdown calls from a control centre
- make sure the vehicle, driver and passengers are safe
- examine the vehicle to find and diagnose the fault
- carry out roadside repairs
- tow or transport the vehicle to a garage if major repair work is needed
- arrange transport for the driver of the broken down vehicle
- complete record sheets for each job
Working environment
You could work at a garage, from a vehicle or on call-out to wherever the car owner is.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager, or move into training.
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
- the ability to use your initiative
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work well with others
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
You may need an LGV licence if you're going to be working on heavy goods vehicles.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could take a college course before applying for work as a trainee with a garage or breakdown company.
Relevant courses include:
- light vehicle maintenance and repair
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
You could specialise in hybrid and electrical vehicles by doing a course like:
- auto-electrical and mobile electrical operations
- electric/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You can apply to do a Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician - Light Vehicle Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This can take 2 to 3 years. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly to become a roadside assistance technician. You'll need experience and qualifications in motor vehicle maintenance and repair to do this.
Career tips
You'll usually be supplied with a company vehicle to use for work, though you may need some of your own repair tools.
Further information
You'll find more advice about how to become a roadside assistance technician from Autocity.
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External links
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