Trainee Automotive Mechanic / Service Technician – Dartford

What To Expect

Start Date: 1st February 2026

Duration: 24 months

Time Type: Full-Time (shift based - including weekend working)

Here at Tesla, our technicians are the backbone of our Service operation. As the newest member of Tesla’s flagship Service Technician Traineeship Programme, you’ll play a key part in supporting us in our mission ‘to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy’ and forming our next generation of Automotive Service Technicians. We create some of the most innovative vehicles ever made, and as a Service Technician Trainee, you’ll help ensure these vehicles are repaired & maintained to a high standard for our customers.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to further education, just graduated, or simply wanting a change of career that better combines your love of technology & practical repairs, this is a fantastic opportunity to receive expert career training & mentorship from service industry professionals who are passionate about helping you succeed every step of the way.

We are currently offering Service Technician Trainee vacancies across our following UK & Ireland locations. As our Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) team is growing, we're excited to announce select locations will specialize in this business area.

London: Heathrow, Dartford, Park Royal, Tottenham

Home County: Reading (CPO), Milton Keynes, Guildford

Midlands: Longbridge (CPO), Wolverhampton (CPO & Service), Nottingham, Solihull, Lincoln

North: Leeds, Trafford (CPO), Manchester

South: Southampton (CPO), Gatwick

East: Cambridge, Chelmsford

Ireland: Cork, Dublin

During this 24-month training programme you’ll receive world class training from Tesla technical trainers who are experts in their field. A strong emphasis on practical skills and on-the-job training will set the foundation of your career as a Tesla Technician. All programme training will be hosted from our dedicated training facilities in Heathrow and/or Manchester.

This programme has a strong focus on potential rather than academic achievement. For this reason, please note the recruitment process for this programme will only consist of 2 stages; a short telephone screening call with a Tesla Recruiter, and an in-person group assessment session (hosted at select locations).

What You'll Do
This is your chance to enroll onto our industry-leading in-house training schedule, providing you with a challenging, yet exciting hands-on opportunity to fast-track your career as a Tesla Technician. Your progression & performance will be reviewed at each key training interval, equipping you with all the tools & skills required to succeed, and allowing you to further grow and develop your skills beyond the 24-month programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for motivated self-starters who thrive in taking accountability for their own learning & development.

What you’ll do:

Learn and understand how to perform basic inspections, repairs & maintenance of Tesla vehicles

Always follow safety protocols & maintain professionalism

Learn effectively & efficiently throughout a fast-paced hybrid training schedule

Effectively handle multiple priorities, workload, and deadlines

Pass the mid-point & end-point programme assessments in order to graduate from the programme

Whilst this format may be subject to change dependent on business needs, you can expect to learn technical modules such as: Chassis, Body, Glazing, Electrical, Infotainment, Driver Assistance Systems, Drivetrain, Thermal Systems, Vehicle inspection and Service. As part of our dedicated ‘enrichment weeks’ you’ll also have the chance to experience some of our other key Tesla functions across the business; these opportunities are designed to broaden your skillset & experience even further beyond the core programme.

Your journey doesn’t end with the Traineeship. Working alongside our people-focused leadership team, subject to your performance & progression during the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to map out your potential future career trajectory within Tesla Service. Upon completion of the Traineeship, you’ll be given the opportunity to apply for any available full-time Tesla Service Technician roles that align with your strengths and aspirations.

What You'll Bring

Prior experience with tools, diagnostics, or repair processes - whether through formal education, professional work experience or personal projects.

Whilst an NVQ/IMI diploma in vehicle maintenance is desirable, we also welcome candidates with practical know-how and a willingness to learn on the job.

Holding a Full UK or EU Driving Licence for at least 1 year by the time of start date

Eager to embrace a fast-paced hands-on training programme with unyielding enthusiasm

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Possess a ‘safety first’ attitude

An excellent multi-tasker with proven problem-solving abilities

Ability to maintain professionalism and always represent Tesla in a positive manner

Willingness to travel to a different Tesla office location or events when required

Willingness to work in shifts to support your team, which may include weekends, morning and evening shifts.

Not be in full-time education when the programme starts

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