Starting a new job as an apprentice BMW technician
Discussion
I’m new to this site but figured it might be the right place to go for a bit of advice or just general thoughts on the state of the industry at the moment. The vast majority of what I read about being a technician, especially at your main dealerships, is overwhelmingly negative but I’m still pretty determined to try this out as a new career. I’ve found myself drawn towards the job despite having no prior experience working on cars so it’s safe to say I’m going in very green.
What I’m wondering is realistically how much can a technician working at a dealership, and with a brand like BMW, look at earning? I understand there’s a lot to learn and it’s incredibly hard, back-breaking work but after say, 5 years or so are the wages still as poor as I’m led to believe? I’ve seen lots of techs mentioning how poor the wage is and how difficult bonuses are to meet, whilst others have quoted earning £50K+ on a base salary of £28K for example. I’m struggling to understand how there’s such a massive contrast in those two narratives.
Similarly, how much do you really need to spend on tools? I’ve seen tens of thousands mentioned, is that through being suckered by the likes of Snap On or even just your budget brands like Halfords? I’ve got my eye on a decent looking kit for a few hundred that I’ll inevitably need to invest in at some point.
Lastly, how viable is it as a career? Do people with no automotive experience have much of a chance in the industry? How readily available is progression? Despite having little to no formal experience I’d say I’m relatively switched on and fully intend to see this apprenticeship through regardless and try and make a decent career out of it. I’ve just recently turned 22 if that’s worth mentioning at all.
I understand there’s a few points here but any responses or bits of advice are much appreciated. Cheers!
What I’m wondering is realistically how much can a technician working at a dealership, and with a brand like BMW, look at earning? I understand there’s a lot to learn and it’s incredibly hard, back-breaking work but after say, 5 years or so are the wages still as poor as I’m led to believe? I’ve seen lots of techs mentioning how poor the wage is and how difficult bonuses are to meet, whilst others have quoted earning £50K+ on a base salary of £28K for example. I’m struggling to understand how there’s such a massive contrast in those two narratives.
Similarly, how much do you really need to spend on tools? I’ve seen tens of thousands mentioned, is that through being suckered by the likes of Snap On or even just your budget brands like Halfords? I’ve got my eye on a decent looking kit for a few hundred that I’ll inevitably need to invest in at some point.
Lastly, how viable is it as a career? Do people with no automotive experience have much of a chance in the industry? How readily available is progression? Despite having little to no formal experience I’d say I’m relatively switched on and fully intend to see this apprenticeship through regardless and try and make a decent career out of it. I’ve just recently turned 22 if that’s worth mentioning at all.
I understand there’s a few points here but any responses or bits of advice are much appreciated. Cheers!
Mechanic seems to be one of the trades that hasn't caught up on the wages front over the years as far as I know (I did my apprenticeship back in the 90's and left the trade about 15 years ago) There never seemed to be much of a career after being a tech, what's next? Workshop controller? Product specialist? Service manager? It's all a bit nothingy...
It was quite a good job, I generally quite liked it and learnt lots but I felt totally undervalued which is why I left it behind
It was quite a good job, I generally quite liked it and learnt lots but I felt totally undervalued which is why I left it behind
All the good Independant guys I know started off getting an aprenticeship at a main deealer and went on to open their own, very succesful, garages, or work for an independant specialist, so the opportunities exist outside the dealerships when you are qualified.
You are probably starting at a good time with the switch to EV and alternative fuel cars under way, so I would say the future is bright, no pun intended, if you are keen enough, and successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Good luck
You are probably starting at a good time with the switch to EV and alternative fuel cars under way, so I would say the future is bright, no pun intended, if you are keen enough, and successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Good luck
Edited by Monkeylegend on Sunday 21st November 16:04
Cheers for the responses I really appreciate it. It’s nice to hear some positivity. Wages aren’t the most important thing for me at the moment to be honest and I value my own job satisfaction far more so here’s hoping it’ll be enjoyable. Obviously it’s nice to know if there is some upwards progression though.
Touching on the point about EVs and hybrids taking off I’d like to think that things are due a change. Perhaps when we really start seeing the roll out of electric cars en masse the premium for skilled EV/HEV technicians will go up. That said, I might just be naive and if the job hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years who’s to say it will at all.
Thanks for the support as well, a job is what you make of it at the end of the day. I’ve loved jobs everyone else hated and hated jobs that everyone else loved if that makes any sense so I think I’m a bit mad in that sense anyway. Who knows what the future holds. Cheers!
Touching on the point about EVs and hybrids taking off I’d like to think that things are due a change. Perhaps when we really start seeing the roll out of electric cars en masse the premium for skilled EV/HEV technicians will go up. That said, I might just be naive and if the job hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years who’s to say it will at all.
Thanks for the support as well, a job is what you make of it at the end of the day. I’ve loved jobs everyone else hated and hated jobs that everyone else loved if that makes any sense so I think I’m a bit mad in that sense anyway. Who knows what the future holds. Cheers!
mick1199 said:
Cheers for the responses I really appreciate it. It’s nice to hear some positivity. Wages aren’t the most important thing for me at the moment to be honest and I value my own job satisfaction far more so here’s hoping it’ll be enjoyable. Obviously it’s nice to know if there is some upwards progression though.
Touching on the point about EVs and hybrids taking off I’d like to think that things are due a change. Perhaps when we really start seeing the roll out of electric cars en masse the premium for skilled EV/HEV technicians will go up. That said, I might just be naive and if the job hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years who’s to say it will at all.
Thanks for the support as well, a job is what you make of it at the end of the day. I’ve loved jobs everyone else hated and hated jobs that everyone else loved if that makes any sense so I think I’m a bit mad in that sense anyway. Who knows what the future holds. Cheers!
I amfeel sure the job will change as EV's progressively replace ICE, although they will be around for a good few years yet.Touching on the point about EVs and hybrids taking off I’d like to think that things are due a change. Perhaps when we really start seeing the roll out of electric cars en masse the premium for skilled EV/HEV technicians will go up. That said, I might just be naive and if the job hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years who’s to say it will at all.
Thanks for the support as well, a job is what you make of it at the end of the day. I’ve loved jobs everyone else hated and hated jobs that everyone else loved if that makes any sense so I think I’m a bit mad in that sense anyway. Who knows what the future holds. Cheers!
I am sure the emphasis will continue move towards electronics/diagnostics and keeping your hands clean rather than oily engine rebuilds
Could be exciting times ahead.
Monkeylegend said:
All the good Independant guys I know started off getting an aprenticeship at a main deealer and went on to open their own, very succesful, garages, or work for an independant specialist, so the opportunities exist outside the dealerships when you are qualified.
You are probably starting at a good time with the switch to EV and alternative fuel cars under way, so I would say the future is bright, no pun intended, if you are keen enough, and successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Good luck
Just to echo this and add, any successful indies i know went through the apprenticeship scheme and got good experience first. BMW indy up the road from me is an Ex BMW technician and seems to be doing very well for himself. Employs 3 or 4 people now too.You are probably starting at a good time with the switch to EV and alternative fuel cars under way, so I would say the future is bright, no pun intended, if you are keen enough, and successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Good luck
Edited by Monkeylegend on Sunday 21st November 16:04
How old are you?
Also, and unusually for an apprentice mechanic you appear to be able to spell, maybe even hold a coherent conversation?.
If you are reasonably bright you will stand out against your contemporaries. There are lots of career routes for mechanics, Sticking to BMW will be good, train your self up to master tech level, this will command a higher basic and the work can be interesting, but the guys that make the most money are very efficient service techs who can do filters, and clutches and the like very quickly. You get paid on productivity ( i.e. speed you can do the job) in BMW I can imagine its very possible to earn 50k, but you'd have to be organised and be prepared to put in the hours. I.e. arriving before your supposed to and get your first job ready so that you save 20 mins of fanning around in your paid time.
Dealership management can be s
t, service managers can be st, but if you are good you'll be cut some slack and you can walk into any other BWW dealership pretty easily.
In terms of career progression, you've got workshop controller, service advisor and service manager, these are fairly typical and realistically you need to do the WC and SA role to stand a good change of succeeding in the service manager role.
Equally you could try and move to the manufacturer, a Regional Technical Manager would pay well and give you an opportunity to do other things.
You could open up your own business after you have gained enough experience, and then there's all the guvvies you'll do for your mates on their driveways for cash in hand.
However the key thing is to get your training completed, get on with the rest of the team and show a decent aptitude for fixing cars. THERE ARE A LOT OF st MECHANICS OUT THERE, DON'TBE ONE OF THEM.
Also, and unusually for an apprentice mechanic you appear to be able to spell, maybe even hold a coherent conversation?.
If you are reasonably bright you will stand out against your contemporaries. There are lots of career routes for mechanics, Sticking to BMW will be good, train your self up to master tech level, this will command a higher basic and the work can be interesting, but the guys that make the most money are very efficient service techs who can do filters, and clutches and the like very quickly. You get paid on productivity ( i.e. speed you can do the job) in BMW I can imagine its very possible to earn 50k, but you'd have to be organised and be prepared to put in the hours. I.e. arriving before your supposed to and get your first job ready so that you save 20 mins of fanning around in your paid time.
Dealership management can be s
t, service managers can be st, but if you are good you'll be cut some slack and you can walk into any other BWW dealership pretty easily.In terms of career progression, you've got workshop controller, service advisor and service manager, these are fairly typical and realistically you need to do the WC and SA role to stand a good change of succeeding in the service manager role.
Equally you could try and move to the manufacturer, a Regional Technical Manager would pay well and give you an opportunity to do other things.
You could open up your own business after you have gained enough experience, and then there's all the guvvies you'll do for your mates on their driveways for cash in hand.
However the key thing is to get your training completed, get on with the rest of the team and show a decent aptitude for fixing cars. THERE ARE A LOT OF s
t MECHANICS OUT THERE, DON'TBE ONE OF THEM.Cheers again, all very positive and good to hear. Will certainly be keeping in mind going down the EV route and certainly wouldn’t mind being my own boss someday if it was viable
@Dynion Araf Uchaf I’ve only recently turned 22. I’ll take being able to read and write as a compliment I was worried they might try and twist my arm into becoming a sales exec at the interview which sent shivers down my spine. No offence intended. I really appreciate all the ideas, a lot of food for thought there and some really good insight into where I could end up. I fully intend to see this apprenticeship through and don’t fancy being crap at my job. I’m in no doubt it’ll take a lot of time and hard work but overall I’m very optimistic.
@Dynion Araf Uchaf I’ve only recently turned 22. I’ll take being able to read and write as a compliment
I was worried they might try and twist my arm into becoming a sales exec at the interview which sent shivers down my spine. No offence intended. I really appreciate all the ideas, a lot of food for thought there and some really good insight into where I could end up. I fully intend to see this apprenticeship through and don’t fancy being crap at my job. I’m in no doubt it’ll take a lot of time and hard work but overall I’m very optimistic. mick1199 said:
Cheers again, all very positive and good to hear. Will certainly be keeping in mind going down the EV route and certainly wouldn’t mind being my own boss someday if it was viable
@Dynion Araf Uchaf I’ve only recently turned 22. I’ll take being able to read and write as a compliment I was worried they might try and twist my arm into becoming a sales exec at the interview which sent shivers down my spine. No offence intended. I really appreciate all the ideas, a lot of food for thought there and some really good insight into where I could end up. I fully intend to see this apprenticeship through and don’t fancy being crap at my job. I’m in no doubt it’ll take a lot of time and hard work but overall I’m very optimistic.
I think with that attitude you will do well.@Dynion Araf Uchaf I’ve only recently turned 22. I’ll take being able to read and write as a compliment
I was worried they might try and twist my arm into becoming a sales exec at the interview which sent shivers down my spine. No offence intended. I really appreciate all the ideas, a lot of food for thought there and some really good insight into where I could end up. I fully intend to see this apprenticeship through and don’t fancy being crap at my job. I’m in no doubt it’ll take a lot of time and hard work but overall I’m very optimistic. Go steady on the snap on van. Buy cheap stuff first, then upgrade as you wear it out.
I started as an apprentice 25 years ago (Where's the time gone?!) - I did 7 years but moved away from the trade for a bigger wage.
Its still my favourite job I've had,I'd go back tomorrow if they'd paid me what I earn now.
I really enjoyed workshop life, banter etc. I liked the variety of work, technical challenges and the sense of achievement when you solved a tough issue.
Still do lots of tinkering now, still top up the snap on collection when I need something shiny!!
I started as an apprentice 25 years ago (Where's the time gone?!) - I did 7 years but moved away from the trade for a bigger wage.
Its still my favourite job I've had,I'd go back tomorrow if they'd paid me what I earn now.
I really enjoyed workshop life, banter etc. I liked the variety of work, technical challenges and the sense of achievement when you solved a tough issue.
Still do lots of tinkering now, still top up the snap on collection when I need something shiny!!
Hi, just to say that I embarked on an automotive career at 42, with a young family and not much knowledge. But I was sure that I wanted to work with my hands, was pretty technical (engineering degree), and enjoyed engaging with customers.
I have to say it's been a blast. 11 years in, and I wonder why I bothered with the previous 20 in engineering. Every day, I get up with a list of things that I need to do, and a load of stuff I need to achieve. I have a great relationship with my customers and the lads who work in my workshop, and pretty much every day, have a great day. 11 years has flown by in the blink of an eye, and I feel at the end of that, I actually have a set of skills that I value and are worthwhile.
It's true I come home every day stinking dirty, sometimes missing bits of skin, and on one notable occasion, my eyebrows, but it's great, and I love it. Don't let someone else's expectations get in the way of doing what you feel comfortable with.
I have to say it's been a blast. 11 years in, and I wonder why I bothered with the previous 20 in engineering. Every day, I get up with a list of things that I need to do, and a load of stuff I need to achieve. I have a great relationship with my customers and the lads who work in my workshop, and pretty much every day, have a great day. 11 years has flown by in the blink of an eye, and I feel at the end of that, I actually have a set of skills that I value and are worthwhile.
It's true I come home every day stinking dirty, sometimes missing bits of skin, and on one notable occasion, my eyebrows, but it's great, and I love it. Don't let someone else's expectations get in the way of doing what you feel comfortable with.
@The Road Crew and @bearman68 (I don’t even know if this @ thing works on here), again cheers! Nice to encounter a lot of positivity here, far more than when I tried posting on a Navy forum before I embarked on that ill-fated voyage, which is nice to see. Hopefully my new colleagues will be a welcoming bunch as well. I’m sure the banter will be great and I’m anticipating being the butt of many jokes for a while!
I fully intend to milk the Halford’s trade discount and government tax rebates to cut down on tool costs and I’ll try and steer clear of the Snap On man for as long as possible. That is until I’m inevitably lured into the Aladdin’s cave of shiny trinkets that is their van Do they actually have Snap On vans in the UK, or is that an exclusively Yank thing?
It’s great to hear that people still really enjoy the profession, although I can never blame people for chasing a better salary. Really strikes a chord what @bearman68 said, in regards to feeling like you have a worthwhile skill set. There’s something to be said about feeling accomplished when you come home stinking and knackered, just let’s me know I’ve put in a hard days graft.
I might have my eyes opened yet but feeling very optimistic and positive going into this new career.
I fully intend to milk the Halford’s trade discount and government tax rebates to cut down on tool costs and I’ll try and steer clear of the Snap On man for as long as possible. That is until I’m inevitably lured into the Aladdin’s cave of shiny trinkets that is their van
Do they actually have Snap On vans in the UK, or is that an exclusively Yank thing? It’s great to hear that people still really enjoy the profession, although I can never blame people for chasing a better salary. Really strikes a chord what @bearman68 said, in regards to feeling like you have a worthwhile skill set. There’s something to be said about feeling accomplished when you come home stinking and knackered, just let’s me know I’ve put in a hard days graft.
I might have my eyes opened yet but feeling very optimistic and positive going into this new career.
mick1199 said:
I fully intend to milk the Halford’s trade discount and government tax rebates to cut down on tool costs and I’ll try and steer clear of the Snap On man for as long as possible. That is until I’m inevitably lured into the Aladdin’s cave of shiny trinkets that is their van Do they actually have Snap On vans in the UK, or is that an exclusively Yank thing?
There’s a large Snap On van parked a mile or so from where I live so I can confirm that they exist! Do they actually have Snap On vans in the UK, or is that an exclusively Yank thing? I’d love to know how it works - does he do a monthly circuit around all the dealerships in his franchise area or do you call him?
Best of luck in your new career.
CoupeKid said:
There’s a large Snap On van parked a mile or so from where I live so I can confirm that they exist!
I’d love to know how it works - does he do a monthly circuit around all the dealerships in his franchise area or do you call him?
Best of luck in your new career.
He will call in to places on his patch, ours used to come every Wednesday. I’d love to know how it works - does he do a monthly circuit around all the dealerships in his franchise area or do you call him?
Best of luck in your new career.
Different game 25 years ago without the Internet, sourcing good stuff wasn't as easy as today.
Still got some of my original apprentice tools, snap on is very dear but it is very good. The weekly visit to sort warranty issues was a really good feature.
Nice to pop out to the van for a tea break and have a look at the shiny stuff as well!
I do miss those days a lot. Great times, great memories of a fun place to work. I wish I could afford the paycut to go back - not meant in a 'look at me' style, It was genuinely good - I used to look forward to going to work, haven't had that feeling in aviation for a decade!
Take the opportunity and see where it takes you, having an apprenticeship goes a long way in helping your career path.
I was a mechanic many years ago in the 80s and got the break for a decent career, it is different now but I’m sure if you have the right attitude, aptitude and stick in you won’t look back.
All the best.
I was a mechanic many years ago in the 80s and got the break for a decent career, it is different now but I’m sure if you have the right attitude, aptitude and stick in you won’t look back.
All the best.
Edited by tighnamara on Sunday 21st November 21:17
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