How to land a crucial role during festive break as a mobile expert technician to help keep Britain moving

IF you are driving home for Christmas, you could be among the 5,000 people who end up relying on breakdown specialists. 

As millions take to the roads to see family, the number of breakdown incidents spike, leading to a rise in call-outs to crashes and breakdowns caused by bad weather. 

But help is at hand for stressed out drivers from an army of specialists.

There are more than 20,000 people employed in dedicated patrols and as ‘mobile expert technicians’ who repair your vehicle at home or work. 

It is also peak recruitment time for breakdown firms, with hundreds of jobs on offer. 

David James, from Wolverhamptom, is a Halfords Mobile Expert Technician.  

The 52-year-old said: “Unlike a garage, you don’t have colleagues to hand, so you need to be comfortable working alone and using your own initiative to deal with issues that crop up.”

Karl Baker, Halfords Mobile Expert operations director says: “Keeping the country moving is exactly what our technicians do each and every day.” 

Halfords is currently hiring for 22 METs and has a further 180 roles in its garages. 

There is no minimum age to apply, but applicants must have held a driving licence for at least a year, with no more than six penalty points. 

It’s about fixing the situation, not just the car

Callum Brown

The role is ideal for someone with previous experience as a tyre fitter or other vehicle repair work, who wants to progress their career. 

As you are dealing direct with customers, you will also need good customer service skills.

Mr Baker adds: “There are lots of opportunities to grow a career. We regularly see technicians move into other parts of the business, with opportunities in management roles, garages or within our retail locations.” 

Also recruiting is Allianz Partners, the world’s largest provider of roadside assistance, which provides breakdown cover for brands including Mazda, Volvo and BMW.  

The firm has 78 jobs for roadside assistance technicians, with support and training given to achieve EV Level 3 accreditation. 

Callum Brown, from Portsmouth, does the job and won the 2025 Technician of the Year award.

Many of our technicians have progressed into management and technical positions

Keith Miller, head of roadside assistance at Allianz Partners

He left school at 16 to work in a garage, where he developed his skills to work at the roadside.

Now 36, he said: “I like being out and about, not stuck behind a desk or at a bay in the workshop. This job is all about meeting people and being able to get on with them at a time when they are usually feeling stressed.

“You need to be able to problem solve and the immediate problem isn’t usually the car — it’s that the customer must pick up the kids, has an appointment to be at, or a train to catch. 

“It’s about fixing the situation, not just the car.”

The positions are open to anyone with motor vehicle technician experience and a full driving licence.

With a starting salary of £42,000 and a guaranteed sign-up bonus of £3,000 in the first year, technicians who hit their targets can earn over £55,000. 

Keith Miller, head of roadside assistance at Allianz Partners said: “Many of our technicians have progressed into management and technical positions. 

“For someone in the motor industry looking for an opportunity to grow and develop, I couldn’t recommend a better employer than Allianz Partners.”

• You can apply for jobs at halfordscareers.com and by searching careers.allianz.com. 

ENSURE SALARY RISE BID PAY OFF 

PAY awards are set to average just three per cent next year – which is below the current rate of inflation – a study shows.  

To keep up financially, you’ll need a proper wage rise and for many employees, the end-of-year review is when to ask. 

Sharon Armstrong, founder of Armstrong Appointments, said: “Getting a salary that reflects your skills and effort is crucial for financial security and professional satisfaction.  

“But asking for a pay rise can be daunting if you don’t approach it strategically.” 

Here are her top tips. 

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOMENT: If your organisation is undergoing redundancies or a pay freeze, it may not be the best time to ask. Instead, ask after a successful project, annual review, or key achievement to make your case stronger. Schedule an official meeting. 

2. PREPARE A WATERTIGHT CASE: Keep a “brag list” of all projects completed, targets met, processes improved and contributions to training. Research comparable salaries in your industry for a realistic baseline. 

3. PRESENT YOUR CASE CONFIDENTLY: Bring proof. Focus on the value you add and your tangible achievements, not personal financial pressures. Offer evidence of your impact, from revenue generated to improved client relationships. 

4. AVOID COMMON PITFALLS: If the answer isn’t immediate, ask for a timeline or follow-up meeting. If salary isn’t negotiable, consider bonuses, equity, professional development, or other perks. Don’t issue ultimatums or apologise unnecessarily. 

5. HANDLE BEING TURNED DOWN: Clarify whether it’s a firm no or a “not yet”. Ask what objectives are required to achieve a future pay rise. Schedule follow-up meetings to monitor progress and highlight achievements. 

6. NEGOTIATE NON-MONETARY BENEFITS: Consider your full package. If a pay rise isn’t possible, ask about extra holiday, flexible hours or professional development opportunities. Consider job satisfaction, as growth and happiness can outweigh immediate pay. 

MAKING HISTORY 

STEP back in time for a job at the UK’s first live history theme park. 

Opening in County Durham next summer, Kynren – The Storied Lands will be a live-action visitor attraction with experiences including a Medieval horse spectacular, a Viking show and a Victorian Adventure. 

Organisers are seeking experienced actors, acrobats, stunt performers and physical theatre specialists, equestrian experts and trick-riders, to star in the outdoor productions across the site in Bishop Auckland. 

Performers with specialisms such as sword-fighting, fire- juggling, stage combat and traditional crafts are also needed. 

To apply, email recruitment@kynren.com outlining your skills and experience. Auditions take place on January 17 and 18. 

STAFF CALLED FOR

FIND your calling with Virgin Media O2. The telecoms giant has opened applications for a new wave of apprenticeship and graduate roles across the UK.

There are 70 field technician apprenticeships available in 36 locations across the country – combining work with on-the-job training and dedicated study time.

The 13-month programme sees trainees work towards a Level 2 Telecoms Field qualification to install broadband, phone and TV services. 

No experience is needed and the starting salary is £26,500. Every trainee who successfully completes their apprenticeship is offered a permanent role within the company. 

Apply at jobs.virgin media o2.co.uk/en_US/careersmarket place/Futurecareers.