If motorbikes are your thing, you’re good with your hands and you like problem-solving, a job in the automotive industry as a motorbike mechanic could be just up your street – or dirt track!

A motorbike mechanic diagnoses, repairs or overhauls all makes of motorcycle including mopeds, scooters and dirt bikes. There are lots of different job roles in this field of work, such as custom motorbike builder, frame repairer and service technician, requiring various levels of expertise.

A motorbike technician has to repair a motorcycle’s subassemblies such as its forks, transmissions and brakes as well as having to dismantle engines, repair and replace parts, hammer out dents and bends in frames and many other routine maintenance tasks.

Because the job is very practical, being taken on as an apprentice motorbike mechanic is the ideal way to start your career. The Vehicle Maintenance and Repair apprenticeship is available at intermediate, advanced and higher levels and it covers training to repair and the maintenance of all types of vehicles. As an apprentice on this course you can choose your specialism, including motorbike mechanic (Pathway 3). You could work for a dealership or for an independent garage, developing theoretical and practical skills in vehicle maintenance and repair.

As an intermediate, Level 2 apprentice, you would work as a motorcycle service technician, carrying out routine motorcycle maintenance tasks and inspections including servicing, repairing and replacing faulty parts and maintaining records. From here you could progress onto an advanced apprenticeship at Level 3 or go into full time employment. On the Level 4 advanced apprenticeship you would work as a diagnostic technician, learning about more complex faults and how to use diagnostic equipment in a job as a motorbike mechanic.

From the Level 3 advanced apprenticeship you could progress into full time work as a motorbike mechanic, go onto a Level 4 higher apprenticeship or with further training, go on to do a Foundation degree or perhaps a MEng degree course.

On the Level 4 higher apprenticeship you would deal with the most complex motorbike engine systems and take on the role of senior technician or workshop controller, taking responsibility for managing a team and the running of a workshop.

The automotive industry employs many people and motorbike mechanics and service and diagnostic technicians are always in great demand, especially given the fast pace at which technology continues to evolve and develop. Check out other careers in the motor industry on our website.