The automotive industry produces 12% of the UK's annual exports. It provides more than 135,000 jobs in production alone, and generates nearly half a million more in the retail and maintenance sectors. Automotive news also changes quickly, so it is worth keeping on top of. The industry is responsible for an impressive diversity of professions, including MOT testers, paint sprayers, mechanics, and engineers - to name just a few. The employment opportunities encompass all levels of qualification, and Automotive Recruitment Agencies offer placement for jobseekers with a wide range of backgrounds and specialisations.
Most entry-level positions typically pay about £15-20K, while experienced personnel on the upper end of the salary scale can expect to earn £40-50K. Overall, the average salary in the automotive industry is about £30K, and there is little salary variation from region to region in the UK.
When first entering the sector, many employees start out in paid apprenticeship positions, more than 12,000 of which are offered annually. Jobs in the more technical areas of the automotive industry, such as engineering or design, require degree level qualifications. For many other positions, however, training is done on the job, and, (aside from basic mechanical aptitude), there are few requirements for entry into the field.