Car manufacturing worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing Technology or a Level 3 in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a lean manufacturing operative intermediate apprenticeship.

You may also be able to do an advanced apprenticeship in vehicle upholstery with certain luxury car manufacturers.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

Some car manufacturing companies take on trainees, so you can learn the skills you need on the job.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for a job as a car manufacturing worker. You may find it useful if you have experience in production manufacturing, tyre or exhaust fitting, vehicle maintenance or upholstery.

Employers may ask for 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Many car makers offer in-house training.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• concentration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• leadership skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of food production methods
• physical fitness and endurance

What you'll do:

Car manufacturing workers build motor vehicles by assembling parts on a production line.

Your duties will depend on which part of the production line you work on. You could be:

• taking delivery of parts from suppliers
• operating presses that shape metal sheets and components
• fixing the engine and frame to the vehicle chassis
• assembling other parts using robotic welders and hand tools
• controlling paint spraying machinery
• fitting interiors, wiring, lights, dashboards and windscreens
• moving finished vehicles to storage areas ready for shipping
• carrying out quality checks at each stage of production, using digital readouts and manual inspections

Location : You could work at a car manufacturing plant.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could become a team supervisor, quality control technician or workshop section leader.

You could also train to work as a maintenance engineer, servicing and repairing the production line machinery.