How to Become a Heavy Vehicle Technician

If you've ever wondered how to become a HGV mechanic or how to become an automotive technician, you're not alone. Every product in every home, supermarket, or warehouse has, at some point, relied on heavy vehicles to get there. Behind the scenes are the people who keep those vehicles moving-heavy vehicle technicians.

This blog is your clear, step-by-step guide to becoming one. Whether you're leaving school, switching careers, or looking for a hands-on route into the automotive sector, this is where you start.

What is a Heavy Vehicle Technician?

Heavy vehicle technicians (sometimes called HGV mechanics) inspect, maintain and repair large commercial vehicles-lorries, trucks, buses, coaches, and more. These are complex machines, often operating under pressure and over long distances, which means high standards, quick thinking and sharp problem-solving skills are essential.

You’ll work on everything from engine diagnostics to suspension systems, electrical faults to safety inspections. And as the UK fleet transitions towards electric and hybrid, you’ll need up-to-date knowledge and specialist training to work safely with high-voltage components and digital systems.

Why Choose This Career?

This isn’t just a job-it’s a trade with real demand, progression and pride.

• The industry depends on you. Every logistics chain, fleet operator and bus company needs qualified technicians to stay on the road.
• Technology is evolving fast. From EVs to automation and diagnostics, you’ll work with cutting-edge systems.
• The work is varied. No two days are the same, whether you're running diagnostics, carrying out safety checks, or solving complex mechanical faults.
• There’s room to grow. With experience and training, you can specialise in diagnostics, move into supervisory roles, or train to become a master technician.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

If you’re starting out, the most direct and respected route is through a Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Apprenticeship.

This programme gives you:

• A full-time job with a real employer
• A recognised industry qualification
• Paid, hands-on experience working on commercial vehicles
• Access to best-in-class training at Remit’s automotive academies

The apprenticeship is designed for school leavers aged 16 and above, but it’s also open to adult learners looking to retrain. You don’t need previous experience-just the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a basic foundation in maths and English.

What Will You Learn as an HGV Apprentice?

The apprenticeship combines practical skills and technical knowledge. You’ll cover:

• Health and safety in the workshop
• Using professional tools and diagnostic equipment
• Servicing and maintenance routines
• Fuel, ignition, air and exhaust systems
• Electrical and electronic systems
• Engine technology
• Chassis and suspension systems
• Transmission systems
• Working effectively with others

You’ll also gain knowledge in emerging technologies like electric vehicle maintenance and advanced diagnostics.

What’s It Like Day-to-Day?

Your day might start with a scheduled service-checking brakes, lights, filters and fluid levels. By the afternoon, you might be diagnosing a fuel injection issue or replacing a failed electrical component. You’ll use specialist diagnostic tools, work under pressure, and always have to keep safety front and centre.

You’ll typically:

• Work Monday to Friday, around 40 hours per week
• Be based in a dealership, commercial garage or fleet maintenance site
• Sometimes work Saturdays or shifts, depending on your employer

How Much Can You Earn?

Your pay depends on your age, experience and employer-but the earning potential is strong:

Apprentices: £7.55 per hour (Roughly £15,000+ per year)

Qualified Technicians: £22,000 to £26,000 per year

Senior/Master Technicians: Up to £40,000 or more with experience and further training

Many employers also offer bonuses, overtime pay, and structured progression opportunities.

Where Can You Work?

Heavy vehicle technicians are needed everywhere. Common employers include:

• Franchised commercial vehicle dealerships (e.g. Scania, Renault, MAN, Iveco, Volvo)
• Independent service centres
• Fleet operators (e.g. haulage, logistics and transport companies)
• Local authorities and public transport providers

With skills and experience, you could specialise in electric vehicles, diagnostics, fleet inspection, or even move into training or management roles.

The Future of Heavy Vehicle Maintenance

The UK’s road transport network is evolving. By 2030, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end, and the focus on clean, efficient fleets will increase. This shift means a major rise in demand for EV-qualified technicians.

We’re already training apprentices in EV and hybrid systems, so they’re ready for what’s next-not just what’s now.

Why Choose a Remit Apprenticeship?

Remit is one of the UK’s leading training providers in the automotive sector. We work with some of the world’s biggest vehicle brands to train the next generation of heavy vehicle technicians.

You’ll benefit from:

• Access to our dedicated automotive training academies
• Tutors with real industry experience
• Modern tools, equipment and diagnostic systems
• Personalised support from application to qualification
• National placements across the UK

Ready to get started?

Heavy vehicle technicians are vital to the economy, vital to safety, and vital to progress. If you’ve got the mindset, the interest and the drive to get hands-on, this is a career that delivers.

Whether you call it a HGV mechanic, heavy vehicle technician or automotive technician-it starts with training, and it starts with you.

If you’re serious about becoming a heavy vehicle technician, there’s no better time to start.

• Explore available apprenticeship vacancies on our website
• Ask us a question-we’ll help you decide if this is the right fit
• Apply directly and we’ll guide you through the process