Trainee Vehicle Mechanic - Recovery

Overview

When vehicles break down or get stuck, your mission is to recover and support frontline units. You will be trained to operate recovery vehicles and perform mechanical repairs, using winches, cranes, and explosives as required.

Responsibilities

• Recover damaged or stranded Army vehicles in operational environments.
• Assess vehicle condition and determine appropriate recovery method.
• Operate winches, ropes, metal cutting equipment, explosives, cranes, and lifting gear.
• Perform mechanical theory and basic repair work to keep units mobile.
• Maintain recovery vehicles and support equipment.

Qualifications

• Age 16 to 35 years (must be between 15 years 7 months and 35 years 6 months at application).
• GCSE Grade A -C (or 9-4) in English, Science, and Maths; or Scottish National 5 (A-C).
• Fit for military duties, able to pass medical and physical tests.
• Willingness to travel and serve in operational environments.

Training Path

Step 1 - Basic Soldiering

• Basic military training covering fieldcraft, weapons handling, and physical fitness.
• Junior Soldiers (under 17 years 6 months) attend the short course at Harrogate.
• Regular Soldiers (over 17 years 6 months) attend the adult basic training.

Step 2 - Technical Training

• 20 week course at the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, MOD Lyneham.
• Training on driving a range of military vehicles - cars, trucks, tanks, and tracked systems.
• Learning principles of vehicle recovery and operational support.

Pay & Progression

You earn a starting salary of £27,282 per year, which increases with experience and qualifications.

• Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship.
• Possibility of Car and HGV licences; tracked vehicle and plant licences.
• LEEA Part 1 Team Card.
• ADR certification for hazardous vehicle recovery.
• Associate Member of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR).

Application Process

1. Online application - submit education, work history, and motivation.
2. Interview with an Army Recruiter.
3. Medical check and clearances.
4. Assessment centre - 2 day residential assessment (fitness, cognitive, medical, team exercises).
5. Background security checks.
6. Offer and enrolment.

Additional Information

The role is also available in the Army Reserve, allowing part time service with evening and weekend training.