Trainee Caravan & Motorhome Engineer
Location: Slinfold, West Sussex
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Working hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri or Tue-Sat)
About T Giles Caravans
T Giles Caravans is a well-established caravan dealership and service centre based in Slinfold, West Sussex, serving customers across Sussex, Surrey and the surrounding areas.
We pride ourselves on providing high-quality workmanship, honest advice and excellent customer service. As our workshop continues to grow, we are looking for a practical and motivated individual to join us as a Trainee Caravan & Motorhome Engineer.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who already has at least one year of experience in a practical or technical role and would like to develop a long-term career within the caravan and motorhome industry.
Previous caravan or motorhome experience is not essential, as specialist training and support will be provided.
The role
Working alongside our experienced caravan engineers, you will receive hands-on training across a wide range of caravan and motorhome systems.
The role is varied and practical, covering mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating, appliance and internal repair work. No two days are exactly the same, and you will gradually take on more responsibility as your experience and competence develop.
You will initially work under supervision while completing training and gaining the relevant industry knowledge and qualifications.
Key responsibilities
Your responsibilities will develop as your training progresses and will include:
- Assisting with caravan servicing and pre-delivery inspections
- Supporting motorhome habitation inspections
- Carrying out basic mechanical and chassis inspections
- Learning how to identify and diagnose faults
- Assisting with damp testing and water-ingress investigations
- Supporting internal woodwork, furniture and structural repairs
- Carrying out basic 12V electrical testing and repairs
- Learning about 230V electrical systems and safety procedures
- Assisting with caravan water, plumbing and heating-system repairs
- Learning how caravan appliances operate, including refrigerators, cookers, water heaters and space-heating systems
- Assisting with warranty inspections and remedial work
- Installing accessories such as motor movers, solar panels, bike racks, television aerials, awnings and reversing-camera systems
- Completing job cards, inspection sheets and workshop documentation
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment
- Communicating professionally with colleagues and customers
- Supporting the wider workshop team when required
Gas and electrical work will only be undertaken under appropriate supervision and within your level of training, qualification and competence.
About you
We are looking for someone who is practical, reliable and genuinely interested in learning a specialist trade.
You must have at least one year of experience in a related practical or technical field that provides transferable skills.
Suitable backgrounds may include:
- Vehicle maintenance or mechanical repair
- Auto electrics
- Agricultural or plant engineering
- Marine or boat engineering
- Trailer maintenance
- Electrical installation
- Carpentry or joinery
- Plumbing or heating
- Appliance servicing and repair
- Property maintenance
- Mechanical or maintenance engineering
- Coachbuilding or body repairs
- Another relevant skilled trade
You do not need to have worked on caravans or motorhomes before, but you must be comfortable using tools, following technical instructions and carrying out practical repair work.
Essential requirements
- A minimum of one year’s experience in a relevant practical, mechanical, electrical, engineering or skilled-trade role
- Good practical and problem-solving abilities
- A willingness to learn several different technical disciplines
- The ability to follow instructions and work safely
- Good attention to detail
- A reliable and professional attitude
- The ability to work independently as your competence develops
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic confidence completing job sheets and written records
- Good communication and customer-service skills
- A full UK driving licence
Desirable experience
The following would be beneficial but is not essential:
- Previous experience working on caravans, motorhomes, trailers or leisure vehicles
- Experience diagnosing 12V electrical faults
- Experience with plumbing, heating or appliance repairs
- Carpentry, furniture repair or internal finishing experience
- Vehicle servicing or inspection experience
- Experience fitting accessories or aftermarket equipment
- Relevant City & Guilds, NVQ, IMI or engineering qualifications
- Experience working directly with customers
- Experience completing technical reports or job cards
Training and development
The successful candidate will receive structured on-the-job training from experienced caravan engineers.
Depending on your experience and progression, training may include:
- Caravan servicing and inspection procedures
- Damp testing and water-ingress diagnosis
- Caravan construction and internal repairs
- 12V and 230V electrical systems
- LPG safety and system awareness
- Water and heating systems
- Appliance diagnosis and repair
- Chassis and running-gear maintenance
- Accessory installation
- Manufacturer and product-specific training
Our aim is to develop the successful candidate into a competent and confident caravan and motorhome engineer who can complete servicing, diagnosis and repairs independently.
What we offer
- Full-time, permanent employment
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Company-provided tools and workshop equipment
- Specialist caravan-industry training
- Opportunities to gain recognised industry qualifications
- Support and mentoring from experienced engineers
- Varied and interesting practical work
- Friendly and supportive working environment
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
We are more interested in finding someone with the right practical ability, attitude and willingness to learn than someone who already knows everything about caravans.
How to apply
Please submit your CV on Indeed
Pay: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
