At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repairs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Established independent garage with a 75-year legacy in Haywards Heath.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, time-and-a-half overtime, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a family-like team focused on quality over pressure.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced work-life with no weekends and structured breaks.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 in Vehicle Maintenance; experience in a workshop is essential.
The predicted salary is between 38760 - 44760 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000 to £42,000 strong, negotiable basic salary + enhanced overtime paid at Time & A Half
Location: Haywards Heath (Central location with free on-site parking)
Hours: Monday – Friday only (Structured with a 30-minute lunch plus two 15-minute breaks). Absolutely Zero Weekends!
About The Business
We are a highly respected independent garage in central Haywards Heath that has been a trusted local fixture for over 75 years. We perfectly balance traditional mechanical craftsmanship with modern automotive technology, completely rejecting the frantic, high-stress environment of corporate dealerships and high-volume fast-fit centres. We know how demanding workshop roles can be, which is why we actively prioritize your well-being—offering a structured, sensible pace of work with a down-to‑earth team that genuinely values your technical integrity.
The Perks
- £35k - £42k Stable Base: A strong, dependable basic salary package fully open and negotiable based on your current experience.
- Time & A Half Overtime: Boost your take-home earnings with highly lucrative, optional overtime shifts.
- Reclaim Your Weekends: Focused entirely on a healthy work-life balance with a strict Monday to Friday schedule—no Saturdays or Sundays ever.
- Rested & Focused Rota: Enjoy structured daily breaks (lunch + two 15-minute breathers) because a rested technician is a happier, more accurate professional.
- Top-Tier Training: Direct access to fully funded Bosch technical training and advanced diagnostic courses to keep your skills completely up to date.
- Great Benefits: 28 days total holiday (20 days paid leave + Bank Holidays) with extra holiday days awarded for high performance, free parking, and a secure company pension.
Why This Position Is Different
- Pace Over Pressure: Say goodbye to the relentless pressure of corporate workshops, unrealistic flat‑rate timing targets, and being treated like a number. We value precision, safety, and fixed‑right‑first‑time repairs over rushing vehicles through the doors.
- A "Forever" Career: We boast incredible staff retention because we treat our team like family. You’ll be a valued name in a clean, organized, RMI‑approved workspace, not a statistic on a corporate spreadsheet.
- Diverse & Multi-Brand Work: Say goodbye to single‑brand monotony. You'll work on an engaging mix of different makes and models, carrying out everything from routine maintenance to intermediate mechanical repairs, keeping your days fast‑moving and varied.
What You'll Be Doing
- Carrying out routine vehicle servicing, comprehensive maintenance, and multi‑point safety inspections to high standards.
- Handling core mechanical repairs, including brakes, steering, suspension components, and major belt changes.
- Utilizing modern workshop diagnostic equipment to perform routine vehicle health checks and minor electrical fault‑finding.
- Collaborating clearly with the front‑of‑house service team to explain required repairs and safety recommendations.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and professional workshop environment.
Are You The One? (Requirements)
- Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 qualified in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent portfolio of workshop experience).
- Experience: A proven track record working as a Vehicle Technician or Service Mechanic inside a professional workshop or independent garage.
- Mindset: A reliable, honest professional with high standards of workmanship and a great team‑player attitude.
- Must hold a full UK driving licence. An active MOT licence is a bonus, but absolutely not essential for this role.
Commutable Locations
Our centrally located workshop in Haywards Heath is highly accessible, offering an easy, traffic‑free daily commute from across Mid‑Sussex:
- Lindfield (5 mins)
- Cuckfield (8 mins)
- Burgess Hill (10 mins)
- Hassocks (15 mins)
- Crawley (20 mins)
- East Grinstead & Brighton (25 mins)
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vehicle Service Technician – 75-Year Established Independent £35k - £42k Basic
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Vehicle Service Technician – 75-Year Established Independent £35k - £42k Basic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Hawk Hiring's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Hawk Hiring. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawk Hiring
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Hawk Hiring.
