A light vehicle diagnostic technician inspects, maintains and repairs cars, vans and small vehicles. Find out more about careers in this fascinating field of the automotive industry.

Job description and duties

A diagnostic technician uses specialist tools to identify mechanical problems and will carry out the necessary adjustments and repairs according to the maker’s standards. They test a vehicle’s systems including their electronic control units. A diagnostic technician also has to talk to parts suppliers and sort out orders.

Entry routes

A light vehicle diagnostic technicians usually progress into the role once they’ve had some experience as a light vehicle service technician although you may be able to change disciplines with extra training. You would progress into this role by developing the knowledge you gain firstly from doing a Light Vehicle Service Technician Level 2 qualification, by then doing a Level 3 Diagnostic Technician qualification.

You would normally progress on to this level via your employer or through an apprenticeship but you could also train at work, in a dedicated training facility managed by your employer or study on day release at an FE college, who will organise work placements as part of the course.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programmes that involve training at specially equipped centres are run by manufacturers, dealerships and garages. You can do an apprenticeship as a service technician or as a diagnostic technician.

Qualifications

To get into vehicle diagnostics you’ll have to gain a Level 3 qualification. There is a range of qualifications in light vehicle maintenance and repair, which cover the theory and the hands-on skills you’ll need to learn in order to progress on to becoming a diagnostic technician. You can complete an Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) at Diagnostic Technician level and other courses to consider are: IMI Award Level 3 National Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle) ; Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles; Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence and City & Guilds’ Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

Skills

As a light vehicle diagnostic technician you will need to have excellent work skills such as attention to detail, practical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work unsupervised and follow written and verbal instructions, good communication skills and a good level of fitness, as some tasks may be physically demanding.

Hours

A diagnostic technician usually works 40 hours a week which may include some shift and overtime work and working on a Saturday.

Salary

As a trainee diagnostic technician your starting salary will be around £11,000 and once qualified you may earn upwards of £22,000.