Reposted 3 days ago

Roadside Rescue Mechanic

The AA
Pay £54,000 OTE
Location Edinburgh
Contract time Full time, permanent

The Breakroom Take

7.4

Rated 7.4 out of 10, based on 272 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • People enjoy this job
  • Good employer
  • Good shift notice
  • Respectful managers
  • Proper training
  • Learn new skills
  • Proper breaks

About The AA

The AA is a membership organisation for drivers. They provide vehicle breakdown, insurance services and roadside assistance.

Job description from The AA

Roadside Rescue Mechanic

£54,000 OTE

Ready to be Always Ahead? So are we.

As one of our Roadside Rescue Mechanics you’ll be there for our customers, come rain or shine. Always ready to provide friendly help and reassurance, you’ll be more than a brilliant mechanic – you’ll be a genuine people person and ready to make a positive impact with everyone you meet.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Your working day: You’re paid from the minute you get in your van to the moment you get home
  • Work/Life balance: Choose the standby hours to suit your lifestyle
  • Equipment: You bring your skills and expertise and we provide the rest, from a van and the very best tools to your uniform and boots
  • Your team: You’ll join a tight-knit, supportive team and enjoy great development and training opportunities
  • Our company: The AA is loved and recognised by all our customers

What you’ll need

  • NVQ3 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, or equivalent qualifications with appropriate experience
  • A full category B driving licence, with 6 points or less.
  • You should be happy to work shifts, which could include evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
  • You’ll be ready to work both independently and as part of a team, driving to different locations in all weathers
  • A superb communicator, you’ll be skilled at explaining things to our customers so they’re reassured and know what’s going on

What’s in it for me?

  • Free breakdown cover from day one
  • 23 days holidays (increases with service) plus bank holidays
  • Up to 7% company pension contribution
  • Industry leading training
  • Dedicated employee assistance programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
  • A welcoming, inclusive culture that will help you thrive

When you're with The AA, you're Always Ahead!

Interested? Apply today.

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

Map

Edinburgh

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do The AA pay a living wage?

    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 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 The AA pay market rates?

    Most people are paid less than average for their job.

    How we know this

    74% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do workers at The AA get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    75% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get sick pay

    Do The AA pay sick pay?

    Sometimes. Only some people get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    35% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 workers at The AA do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    88% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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

    Good
  • 4+ weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at The AA?

    Most people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 13% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 3% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 85% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 workers at The AA worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    94% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get any choice of shifts

    Do The AA workers get to choose the shifts they work?

    Most people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    74% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 The AA workers to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    59% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it to book a holiday at The AA?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    35% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Shifts don’t get changed at short notice

    Do The AA managers change shifts at short notice?

    Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    94% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people find it easy to take sick leave

    How easy is it to take sick leave at The AA?

    Most people find it easy to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    81% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 at The AA good if you’re a parent or carer?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    46% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 26 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2022 and October 2024.

    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 people at The AA feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    82% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people get proper breaks

    Do people at The AA get proper breaks?

    Most people get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    76% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Okay
  • Some people are stressed

    Is it stressful to work at The AA?

    Some people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    62% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do people at The AA enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    84% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do people at The AA recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    40% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people get enough training

    Do people get enough training when they start at The AA?

    Most people got enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    75% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people get support to progress

    Are people given support to progress at The AA?

    Most people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 69% of people report 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 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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 people think The AA 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

    68% 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 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

  • Good
  • Most people feel well informed by head office

    Do workers feel well informed about how The AA is doing?

    Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    86% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and October 2024.

    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.

Find out more about working at The AA

What The AA employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    Empowered to make own decisions

    Worst thing

    Can be micro managed

    6.1

    The AA Recovery driver, October 2024

  • Best thing

    Pay

    Worst thing

    The extra overtime we have to work.

    8.6

    The AA Recovery driver, July 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The people I work with

    Worst thing

    the hours

    7.8

    The AA Customer service advisor, May 2024

  • Best thing

    I get to do what I love, helping people

    Worst thing

    Picking up customers that moan about how long they’ve been waiting

    9.1

    The AA Recovery driver, May 2024

  • Best thing

    We have good work set every day, we are treated fairly and we have regular catch up meetings

    Worst thing

    Not paid well, lack of staff, have too much work sometimes

    6.7

    The AA Claims handler, July 2023

  • Best thing

    The people and lower management

    Worst thing

    Pay is not competitive and staff are undervalued.

    7.1

    The AA Employee, July 2023

  • Best thing

    Job satisfaction

    Worst thing

    No sense of what we need at the roadside from indoor staff/ upper management

    7.0

    The AA Employee, March 2023

  • Best thing

    Own boss, good pay, simple jobs if you have enoigh experience

    Worst thing

    Motorways and fast roads can be dangerous.

    8.2

    The AA Patrolman, December 2020

  • Best thing

    Social aspect and pay is okay

    Worst thing

    Late and some long shift
    Work every other weekend

    7.3

    The AA Customer service advisor, December 2020

  • Best thing

    My own boss most of the time.

    Worst thing

    Difficult to get direction quickly when something unusual occurs. The office don’t understand the complexities of the job.

    8.9

    The AA Patrolman recovery operations, April 2020

  • More reviews from The AA employees

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