The UK has a strong automotive industry that contributes a net value of around £12 billion to the country's economy each year. Many of the world's leading automotive companies have manufacturing bases in the UK and the sector employs around 700,000 people. It's not difficult to predict then that the industry is supported by a range of recruitment agencies looking to source capable automotive candidates in a number of disciplines be it on assembly lines or in project management.
Salaries
The automotive industry has seen much investment over the last few years and despite some big name job cuts, there are still plenty of opportunities to enter the field. The average salary is around £30,000 although this can rise to in excess of £40,000 for managerial positions.
Key employers
The Midlands is the heart of UK automotive industry with about 30% of the countries car production hailing from the region.This is helped by the likes of Land Rover, Jaguar and Peugeot who are all based in the West Midlands in some capacity. Job roles within the industry might include designers, mechanics and service technicians.
Qualifications and entry requirements
A graduate route into the industry is recommended although what qualification you choose to undertake is dependent on the area you wish to move into. An engineer for instance may go for a Diploma in Engineering while a dealership administrator might choose a Degree in Business Administration. A Masters qualification could also help your chances of getting a job as it is a competitive market for graduates. Candidates will be expected to be computer literate and be able to work in a fast paced environment.