Trainee Mechanic

Thanks to world‑class training you’ll learn to fix and drive everything from tanks to trucks. You’ll serve all over the world and gain qualifications and experience that will build a great CV.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

• Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
• Medicine Ball Throw 3m (Army Reserve 2.7m)

GCSE Grade A*-C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 (A-C), in English, Science and Maths.

• Keeping the Army's vehicles working at home and on operations
• Servicing and maintaining all vehicle types from tanks to HGVs
• Conducting preventative maintenance
• Working in line with Army policy on vehicle maintenance, and health and safety guidelines
• Assisting in roadworthiness testing of all Army vehicles

Step 1 Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a basic military training (short) course at Harrogate.

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.

Step 2 Then you go to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire. Here, you learn to be a mechanic. Over the next 46 weeks, you are taught how to fix vehicles and carry out maintenance, repairs and inspections. Tanks, trucks, quads… you’ll work with all kinds of vehicles. You will also get car and HGV driving licences.

You’ll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
• Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
• Qualifications in Leadership and Management at different levels
• Car and HGV licences + Opportunity for tracked vehicle and plant licences

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months. Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

Online application:
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

Step 1 1–2 days – Submit application.

Step 2 1–2 weeks – Meet with an Army Recruiter.

Step 3 Medical checks – The next step may take some time.

Step 4 Assessment centre – 2‑day residential assessment.

Step 5 Security clearance – Background checks.

Serve part time as a Reserve Vehicle Mechanic while maintaining your civilian career. Train on evenings and weekends, with opportunities for overseas deployments and adventure training.

Every Vehicle Mechanic started exactly where you are now. Take the first step. Whatever we’re building, you’ll do the groundwork in a bulldozer or digger. You’ll make all kinds of projects possible and gain skills for life.

Be the person who makes sure every aircraft is working and ready to fly. Travel the world and use your training to support our pilots.