Michael Cheery
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? You’ve come to the right place…
Reed.co.uk lists thousands of automotive related job ads every month, so whether you’re looking for a driving job, have always wanted to be a mechanic or are just a car enthusiast who’s lost and wants to pursue their passion in their profession, it’s time to find the right job for you.
Here are some careers in the automotive industry to consider and tips on how to get there.
Breakdown Engineer
What they do: Breakdown engineers, also known as roadside recovery drivers, help drivers whose vehicles have broken down or will not start. It’s their job to diagnose the problem on-site, inspect the vehicle and, if possible, fix the issue as quickly as possible. If repairs can’t be made, they may have to tow the vehicle to a garage.
What you need: The ability to work quickly under pressure will definitely be an asset in this role, and other traits required for a breakdown engineer include good customer service skills, flexibility and a calm, reassuring approach that puts customers at ease.
What you get: It’s between £20,000 and £30,000, but those who work irregular hours or overtime will get extra income on top of their salary.
Best for: Someone who likes helping people.
Our advice: As with becoming a mechanic, the key to getting into this role is an apprenticeship. Roles are open all year round, but if you can’t find work within your area we recommend contacting the RAC or a similar large employer in this sector for more information.
View all Breakdown Engineer jobs
Car dealer
What they do: You’ll sell new and used cars, vans and other motor vehicles. You’ll typically work in a car dealership or car sales outlet. You might only sell cars made by one manufacturer, or you might work in a diversified specialist car dealership, with a wide range of vehicles on site.
What you need: Good sales and negotiation skills are key to success in this position. Many roles offer significant sales commissions as standard, so the better you sell, the more you can make. A degree is not required to become a car dealer.
What you get: Starting salary is £14,000 but with sufficient qualifications and experience you can expect to earn a salary of over £30,000, not including OTE.
Best for: People who use Dacia for driverless driving.
Our advice: If you’re interested in working at a car dealership but can’t find a job that’s right for you, hone your sales skills with other sales positions. There are plenty of entry-level sales jobs available that can help you gain qualifications and ensure you’ll be hired when the right position opens up.
View all Auto Sales Jobs
How to become a car dealer
driver
What they do: You can drive a range of vehicles, from cars, vans, buses and trains to large and heavy goods vehicles (LGVs and HGVs) – if you love driving and like spending most of your time on the road, then there’s no need to think about it.
What you need: As well as a suitable licence and a clean accident record, confidence and good driving skills are absolute musts. You’ll also be working alone for long periods of time, so ideally you’ll be someone who enjoys working alone. Likewise, patience is a virtue – if you tend to let your inner road rage bubble up if you can’t sit for more than five minutes, this might not be the job for you (see also M25).
What you get: The average is around £24,000 but this can rise relatively quickly if you are willing to put in the time.
Best for: People in the fast lane… and the center lane. And the inside lane.
Our advice: To become a driver you need certain qualifications, especially if you want to drive larger vehicles. There are plenty of courses and HGV training programmes available to get you the training and gain the additional licence you need, and doing it yourself can definitely cut down on the time you spend looking for work.
See all Driver Jobs
Mechanic
What they do: They inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain motor vehicles. Typical duties include replacing parts, repairing systems, road testing vehicles and performing MOTs. Mechanics typically work in garages and repair centres and can work for large multinational chains or small independently owned businesses.
What you need: Specialist knowledge of automotive and motor technology, as well as good practical and problem-solving skills. Manual dexterity, attention to detail and good concentration are also essential. A degree is preferred by some employers, but not required.
What you get: A trainee mechanic can expect to earn around £10,000 a year whilst they are still learning their trade, but an experienced mechanic can reach an annual salary of £30,000 relatively quickly.
Best for: A person who regularly checks the oil in their car.
Our advice: The easiest way to become a mechanic is through an apprenticeship. Not only is it a great way to gain practical knowledge whilst earning a regular wage, but once you’ve received enough training, it’s often the key to securing a full-time position in a company. And, as with any profession, any qualifications you obtain are a great addition to your CV.
View all Mechanic jobs
How to become a mechanic
Mechanical Engineer
What they do: Mechanical engineers, also known as vehicle technicians, design, develop, test, and manufacture the materials used to make machines. In the automotive industry, they do everything from building engine parts and assembling car bodies to coming up with solutions to reduce emissions and maintaining robotic machines.
What you need: A genuine passion for maths and cars, along with a good understanding of key scientific principles and a methodical approach to your work are essential. A degree is not required, but a specific qualification in mechanical engineering or an apprenticeship can be key to finding the right role.
What you get: Starting salaries are typically around £20,000, but a skilled mechanical engineer can easily earn over £30,000 within a few years.
Best for: People who like to tinker and take things apart.
Our advice: Take up a hobby that gives you practical knowledge of mechanical engineering. Automotive mechanics, metalworking, and robotics are some good examples of hobbies that are worth adding to your resume and will help you stand out from the competition.
View all Mechanical Engineer jobs
How to become a mechanical engineer
Top tips
Here are some tips for finding a job in the automotive industry.
- Getting Your Hands Dirty – Gaining relevant experience can be key to breaking into the automotive industry, but it’s not that hard to get. Internships, apprenticeships, workplace placements and work experience are all great ways to learn.
- Showcase your skills – Pick out the most relevant attributes from the job posting and customize your resume to highlight them.
- Make the most of your hobby – Use your interests to build up industry knowledge. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a mechanic, it makes sense to pursue your passion in your free time so you have something to brag about in an interview (warning: breakdown engineers may want to consider other hobbies).
- Get qualified – If the job requires a specific qualification, be proactive and find the right course for you. Whether it’s a heavy truck licence or a qualification that proves your negotiation skills, the right qualification will help you get to where you want to be.
- Take a listen – If you know where you want to go, try to get insider advice from industry insiders. Not only can they offer practical advice, but they can also point you to the latest job vacancies within their organizations.
Are you ready for a career in the automotive industry? Browse all automotive jobs now or get certified in transportation and logistics.
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