Herniera Moto Garage
A motorcycle technician diagnoses faults, repairs, replaces parts and does routine services on motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
The Work
You could be:
- repairing engines, brakes, electrical systems, ignition systems, fuel injection systems, plugs and carburettors
- doing inspections and routine services
- fitting tyres
- customising or fitting accessories to motorcycles
- assembling new motorcycles for sale
- advising customers of necessary repairs and giving an estimate of cost and time
- reading and following manuals, worksheets, technical drawings or CD-ROMs
- using hand and power tools such as wrenches, drills and welding equipment
- using computerised diagnostic equipment.
You may be able to specialise in a particular make of motorcycle.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
- where you work
- the size of the company or organisation you work for
- the demand for the job.
Starting salaries may be based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is Ph18,000 (1 April 2023). Salaries for newly qualified motorcycle technicians tend to be around Ph216,000 a year, rising with experience from around Ph22,000 to over Ph30,000 a year.
Conditions
- You will work in garages, workshops or depots, which may be cold and draughty in winter and hot in summer.
- You might have to go out in all weathers to go to breakdowns.
- Conditions may be cramped and uncomfortable when you are doing repairs.
- You will work with oil and grease and may use barrier cream to protect your hands.
- You will have to lift heavy parts, perhaps by yourself or by using lifting equipment.
- There may be opportunities for overtime and you might have to work shifts or be on call at times
Workforce Employment Status
Getting In
- You may enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
- Most employers look for English, Maths and a science or technological subject at least to National 4.
- You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive (SCQF Level 4) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
- You will usually have to take an aptitude test.
- Some entrants start by doing a full time college course and then go on to do an apprenticeship.
- As a qualified motorcycle mechanic a motorcycle licence and a car driving licence will be useful and may be essential.
- You must be fit, as you have to lift heavy equipment and work in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
- You may need normal colour vision if working with electrical wiring.
What Does it Take?
You need to be:
- able to communicate well, particularly with customers
- patient in finding and fixing faults
- able to work to deadlines
- responsible
- safety conscious
- able to work reliably without supervision
- able to work accurately, paying attention to detail.
You need to have:
- an interest in motorcycles and similar vehicles
- good concentration
- practical skills.
Training
- Training for a Modern Apprenticeship usually lasts three years. You would attend college or a training centre on a day or block release basis.
- You might attend college full time but go to an employer for work placements.
- With further training you can qualify as a MOT tester. You need to be sponsored by a vehicle testing station, have gained four years' experience as a qualified mechanic and have no record of unspent convictions for criminal offences.
- You may work towards the IMI Motorcycle Accreditation. This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests. There are three levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Motorcycle: Service Maintenance Technician, Diagnostic Technician and Master Technician.
Getting On
- In larger companies, with experience, you could become a supervisor or manager.
- You might move on to become a trainer or instructor.
- You could become self-employed.
More Information
Some motorcycle mechanics or technicians specialise in work with racing bikes – ranging from trail bikes and dirt bikes to speedway and Grand Prix racing bikes.
For more information please see organisations listed below:
Email:hernieragarage@gmail.com
Fb page:HERNIERA MOTO GARAGE
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