Vehicle Technician
Halfords
£26.3k–£29.1k per year
Bolton, England, BL1 2
Full time
The Breakroom Take
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
About Halfords
Halfords is a retailer. They sell car parts and accessories, bicycles, touring and camping equipment.
Job description from Halfords
Vehicle Technician
Apply now Job no: 545099
Work type: Full time
Site: Bolton
Categories: Mechanic
Location: Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Salary: £26,252 to £29,116 per year + bonus
Business Area: Autocentres
Experienced Vehicle Technician, Car Mechanic or Fitter? Join us before December 31st and receive a £2000 joining bonus! T&Cs apply.
Join us and you'll be working on a wide variety of cars and light vehicles with the UK's largest vehicle service, maintenance and repair business.
A critical member of the team, you'll combine technical knowhow with a focus on quality. You'll share our focus on achieving the highest standards of vehicle servicing, and meeting DVSA guidelines. Customer safety is paramount and with your experience of delivering service excellence not only will you keep our customers safe, you'll also build a returning customer base who trust the quality of your work.
Quality is everything at Halfords. And that extends to the training we provide. With access to industry-leading, recognised training linked to your skills and experience you'll be given every opportunity to progress your career. You'll have access to hybrid training, ATA accreditation and the MOT Tester qualification. You'll also have access to a generous bonus scheme and some amazing benefits.
To be a success in this role, you'll need:
- NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or equivalent, or time served experience
- Experience in a professional workshop, delivering relevant services
- Confidence in carrying out all aspects of vehicle maintenance
- A commitment to achieving targets
- Technical quality control trained
- Health and Safety trained
- Experience of working directly with customers, with a sound approach to customer service
- IT literacy
- A full driving licence with no more than 9 points
We know that everyone has different priorities at different stages of their lives, so we offer a wide range of rewards and benefits. As well as holiday and contributory company pension, you can expect to enjoy:
- Store discount, with 25% off most products across Halfords and Tredz
- Employee discount, with up to 60% off your garage bills at Halfords Autocentre
- Discount on Halfords Breakdown Cover, with bike cover as standard for all annual policies
- Discounts on everything from groceries and shopping through to holidays, insurance, days out, restaurants and more
- Employee wellness programme offering free, independent, confidential support and counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Fantastic Trade Price Bike Scheme - buy one bike per year from a range of bikes which have been significantly reduced
- Life insurance
- Uniform
- Option to join our Sharesave scheme: save to purchase shares at a 20% discount
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wagestream - a financial planning app that gives you more control over your pay. Access up to 30% of your pay as you earn it and save automatically from your salary to build a rainy-day fund for the future
- Health Cash Plan - claim cash back towards your healthcare costs and get access to health and well-being services
We're in an exciting chapter - rapidly growing our business with a focus on motoring services and electric mobility. We're the UK's leading retailer of motoring and cycling products and services, and the UK's largest vehicle service, maintenance and repair business. Join us and be part of our success story in getting the nation safely back on the move.
Job insights from Breakroom
Vehicle mechanics and technicians
Vehicle mechanics repair and service cars, vans and other vehicles
What you’ll do as a vehicle mechanic and technician:
- Drive vehicles
- Maintenance of vehicles and tools
- Understand mechanics and engineering
- Responsible for health and safety
- Ability to repair and replace parts needed
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Driving
- Physical activities
- Heavy lifting
- Wearing a uniform
What employees say
Pay
-
Good
-
Most people are paid a living wage
Do Halfords pay technicians enough to live on?
Most people are paid a living wage.
How we know this
75% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Needs improving
-
Most people are paid below market rates
Do Halfords pay technicians market rates?
Most people are paid less than average for their job.
How we know this
95% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 75 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Needs improving
-
Under 23s get paid less than everyone else
Do technicians at Halfords get paid the same regardless of age?
No, people under the age of 23 get paid less than those above 23.
See what Halfords pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 23s is less than those who are over 23.Based on data from 122 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2021 and December 2023.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do technicians at Halfords get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
81% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get sick pay
Do Halfords pay technicians sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
93% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Good
-
Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do technicians at Halfords do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
67% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
-
Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do technicians get of their shift pattern at Halfords?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 30% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 35% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 19% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 16% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Good
-
Most people don’t worry about their hours
Do technicians at Halfords worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
69% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
-
Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do technicians at Halfords get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
42% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 and November 2023.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
-
Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for technicians at Halfords to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
56% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and November 2023.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
-
Easy to book holiday
How easy is it for technicians to book a holiday at Halfords?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
70% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
-
Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do Halfords managers change technicians shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
41% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
-
Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for technicians to take sick leave at Halfords?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
46% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Okay
-
Only some parents say it’s good
Is working as technicians at Halfords good if you have caring responsibilities?
Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
62% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
-
Good
-
Most people feel treated with respect
Do technicians at Halfords feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
72% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Okay
-
Only some people get proper breaks
Do technicians at Halfords get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
51% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 86 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Needs improving
-
Most people are stressed
Is it stressful for technicians to work at Halfords?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
80% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay
-
Only some people enjoy their job
Do technicians at Halfords enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
How we know this
44% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Okay
-
Only some people recommend their team
Do technicians at Halfords recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
62% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 89 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
-
Only some people get enough training
Do technicians get enough training when they start at Halfords?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
46% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
-
Only some people get support to progress
Are technicians given support to progress at Halfords?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 49% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
-
Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do technicians think Halfords head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
92% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 84 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
-
Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do technicians feel well informed about how Halfords is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
59% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2022 and December 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What Halfords employees say about their job
-
Best thing
Working with a good team
Worst thing
Very understaffed quite often 80% of the time can be 3 people running a busy shop on most days which can be very stressful trying to provide a quality service to customers especially if there’s a high volume of people. The pay is poor for the workload especially if you’re under 21 as Halfords is heavy on age related pay.
Halfords Auto technician, October 2023
-
Best thing
Every body gets on with the work they are trained for. I control stock when deliveries arrive twice a week also serve customers for items they would like to purchase or order.
Worst thing
When you are under staffed and you have to serve customers quickly to stop them complaining they have waited a long time to be served that’s being put under pressure. Staff get very stressed out.
Halfords Sales advisor, September 2023
Better rated jobs in Bolton
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 13 Pendragon employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2021 and September 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 25 Amazon employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2022 and November 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Tesco employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2020 and August 2021.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Tesco employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2020 and August 2021.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 25 Amazon employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2022 and November 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
Similar jobs in Bolton
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 13 Pendragon employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2021 and September 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 25 Amazon employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2022 and November 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Tesco employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2020 and August 2021.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Solus Accident Repair Centres employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2021 and June 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
-
About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 11 Tesco employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2020 and August 2021.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
Stop scrolling through jobs that don’t fit your life!
CloseWe’ll only send you jobs that match the things you care about
No thanks, I want to apply
Applying will take you to a different website.
Type in your email to save this job
Close
Just so you know, by signing up to Breakroom you’re agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.