As a young driver, car insurance prices can be a real burden, particularly if your income is low.
Finding cheaper car insurance solves the problem for some people, but for others it's only part of the solution. For them, finding a new, better-paid job is the answer - if they only knew where to look.
Fortunately, the staff here at Hoot have just the thing. In between motor insurance quotes, we've found time to scribble down a collection of careers guides for car lovers, featuring everything from truck driver to chauffeur, and from car mechanic to car valet.
So far, your love of cars has probably done nothing but cost you money. Read on, however, and we'll show you how to put it to good (and profitable) use - by becoming a motor vehicle fitter.
So what does a motor vehicle fitter do?
Not to be confused with a regular motor mechanic, a fitter or fast-fit technician is employed principally to replace tyres, exhausts and other car parts which can changed quickly and routinely.
Generally working alongside mechanics at a garage or employed by a specialist fast-fit centre (such as Kwik-Fit), fitters aim to diagnose and fix car problems while the customer waits.
Fitters are expected to work on all kinds of vehicles, using a wide variety of tools to diagnose and repair faults. They typically work long hours, five or six days a week, as fast-fit centres open early and close late.
Am I the ideal candidate?
Fitters work to much tighter time constraints than regular car mechanics, so it's important that you stay cool under pressure and work well as part of a team. Being able to handle cash and deal confidently with the public is also very important.
An interest in cars and mechanics would be an obvious advantage to an aspiring fitter, as would a decent level of fitness to help you lift tyres, duck under car bodies and keep you going during a long day.
What qualifications do I need?
Most fast-fit companies are prepared to take on total novices and train them up, so you can get a foot in the door with no qualifications at all.
However, there are plenty of appropriate courses available and taking one will certainly improve your chances of finding work as a fitter. For instance, a BTEC in 'Vehicle Repair and Technology' - available at most higher education colleges - would make an ideal springboard into the profession.
If you're aged between 16 and 24 with GCSE's in Maths, English and Science, another route into vehicle fitting is through an apprenticeship. Apprentices are highly valued in the motoring trade, and there's a good chance you could be taken on by the firm that trained you once your course is complete.
Will it make me a millionaire?
You perhaps can't live like the Beckhams on a fitter's salary, but the job offers a regular wage and good prospects.
Starting out you can expect to make anywhere from £12,000 to £15,000 a year, rising to £18,000 with experience and on-the-job qualifications.
Many fitters go on to become motor mechanics after a few years, and they can earn as much as £26,000 per annum.
Further info
Try your local college for details of appropriate qualifications on offer there, and visit http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk for info on apprenticeships.
Try the websites of fast-fit chains like Kwik-fit http://www.kwik-fit.com to find out about vacancies in your area and apply online. If you're interested in working for an independent garage, however, it's best to show up in person and ask for an interview.
Young driver car insurance from Hoot
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