What is a HGV Engineering Technician?

How an HGV Engineering Technician makes a difference

HGV engineering technicians help to keep the country moving. Lorries deliver essential items like food, clothes and fuel around the country. This role makes sure those vehicles are safe, reliable and legal to use on the road.

By spotting problems early and fixing them properly, HGV engineering technicians help prevent breakdowns and accidents. They also work with newer technology, including computer systems that check how vehicles are running, which helps reduce pollution and improve safety for everyone.

A HGV technician working underneath a large vehicle in blue overalls.

The type of work an HGV Engineering Technician will do

Service lorries and other heavy vehicles to make sure they are road worthy
Find faults and work out what is causing them
Repair or replace worn or broken parts
Work on engines, brakes, steering and suspension
Use computers to help diagnose vehicle faults
Prepare vehicles for MOT tests
Keep records of the work carried out

Useful skills

Attention to detail

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Practical application

Skills & attributes

Useful skills

Critical thinking

Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the HGV Engineering Technician role

You enjoy fixing things and understanding how they work.

You are good at solving problems and thinking logically.

You work carefully and take safety seriously.

You enjoy working practically with your hands.

What you can bring to the HGV Engineering Technician role

This role could also be right for you if you are interested in the following areas:

- Cars, vehicles and engines

- Engineering and mechanics

- Finding out how things work

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for an HGV Engineering Technician

With experience, HGV engineering technicians can become senior or master technicians. Some move into supervising a workshop or managing a team. Others specialise in areas like electrical systems or new electric and hybrid vehicles. There are also opportunities to train apprentices or move into roles such as fleet maintenance or technical support.

How to become an HGV Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

A T-level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
An apprenticeship as a Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This job lets you work with some of the biggest vehicles on the road. No two days are the same because every vehicle and fault is different. You get to use a mix of hands-on tools and modern computer equipment. As vehicles change, especially with electric and low emission technology, there are always new skills to learn. It is a practical job where you can see the results of your work straight away and know you are doing something important.

Other job titles...

You might also see this role listed under different job titles, including:

Heavy vehicle technician
HGV mechanic
Commercial vehicle technician
Truck and bus technician

What are your next steps?

Discover our expert advice on the different pathways available and how to get into your dream role.

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