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More info
- Manage workshops where cars and other vehicles are repaired and maintained
- You'll combine mechanical knowledge with good business management skills
- Opportunities to specialise in working with different vehicle types or in a field such as motorsport
As a garage manager, you'll be responsible for the smooth running of a garage.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Supervising of a team of mechanics
- Dealing with customers
- Organising bookings and assigning work to staff
- Ordering parts
- Checking the quality of work
- Controlling a budget
- Recruiting staff
- Managing fleet accounts for commercial clients
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work with cars, lorries, passenger vehicles and construction plant equipment. You could work in an office, at a garage, or in a workshop. Your working environment may be noisy and dirty, and safety clothing may be required.
You'll need
To be a garage manager, you'll need knowledge of engineering science and technology, business management skills, the ability to motivate and manage staff, customer service and time management skills.
You could do a college course such as Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, or Automotive Engineering.
You can also start as a motor mechanic or service technician, working your way up through training and promotion. You would need a vehicle technician qualification and several years' experience in the motor trade.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could become a fleet maintenance, service centre, or general business manager with a manufacturer's dealership. You could also become a technical manager, specialising in a particular area like heavy commercial vehicles or motorsport. IMI Accreditation for Management could help you progress in your career.