Looking to take your career to the next gear? You’ve come to the right place…
Reed.co.uk have thousands of motoring and automotive positions advertised on the site every single month. So whether you’re looking for driving jobs, you’ve always dreamed of becoming a mechanic, or you’re just a career-confused petrol-head looking put some passion into your profession, it’s time to find the right role for you.
Here are some careers to consider in the motoring industry and some of our top tips to help you get there:
Breakdown Engineer
What they do: Also known as Roadside Recovery Drivers, Breakdown Engineers provide assistance for drivers whose vehicles have broken down or won’t start. It’s their job to diagnose the problem at the scene, examine the vehicle and, if possible, fix any problems as quickly as possible. If repairs can’t be carried out, they may also have to tow the vehicle back to the garage.
What you need: The ability to work quickly under pressure will certainly be an asset in this role. Other desirable attributes for a Breakdown Engineer include excellent customer service skills, flexibility and a calm and reassuring approach to help put customers at ease.
What you can earn: Somewhere between £20,000 and £30,000, although those working sporadic hours or putting in overtime will be in line to earn extra on top of their salary.
Perfect for: People who like to help people.
Our advice: Similar to becoming a Mechanic, the key to breaking into this position lies within apprenticeships. Positions are advertised throughout the year, but it’s always worth getting in touch with the RAC, or a similar large employer within the space, to find out more information if you can’t seem to find a role within your area.
View all Breakdown Engineer jobs
Car Dealer
What they do: Sell new or used cars, vans and other automobiles, usually working within car dealerships or on car forecourts. They may sell cars made solely by one manufacturer, or work in a multi-specialist dealership which houses many different types of vehicle on the premises.
What you need: Excellent sales and negotiation skills are the key to success in this position. Many roles comes with a decent amount of sales commission as standard, meaning the better you are at selling, the more you can make. A degree is not a pre-requisite to become a Car Dealer.
What you can earn: £14,000 as an entry-level salary, but potential pay packets could top £30,000+ when fully qualified and experienced. Not including OTE.
Perfect for: People who Dacias to the driverless.
Our advice: If you’re interested in working in a car dealership but can’t seem to find the right role for you, build your sales skills in other sales positions. There are plenty of entry-level sales roles to help you build your credentials, making you a virtual shoe-in when the right position comes up.
Driver
What they do: Drive a variety of different vehicles, ranging from cars, vans, buses and forklift trucks, through to trains and Large or Heavy Goods Vehicles (LGV & HGV). If you love driving and like the idea of spending most of your time on the road, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.
What you need: Aside from a relevant licence and clean record, confidence, and excellent driving skills are absolutely essential. You will also be working alone for long periods of time, so people that work enjoy their own company would be ideal. Patience will similarly be a virtue. If sitting sedentary for more than five minutes tends to bring out your inner road-rage, this might not be the job for you (see also: the M25).
What you can earn: Around £24,000 on average, although this can rise relatively quickly for those willing to put the hours in.
Perfect for: People who live in the fast lane… And the middle lane. And the inside lane.
Our advice: You’ll need specific qualifications in order to become a Driver, especially if you’re looking to drive larger vehicles. There are lots of driving courses – such as HGV training programs or forklift courses – available to help you get trained and get any extra licenses you need, and getting these yourself will certainly cut down the time you spend looking for roles.
Mechanic
What they do: Inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain automotive vehicles. Typical responsibilities include replacing parts, repairing systems, road testing vehicles and performing MOTs. Mechanics commonly work in garages and repair centres, and work for large multi-national chains or for privately run smaller businesses.
What you need: An expert knowledge of cars and motor technology, as well as excellent practical and problem-solving skills. Manual dexterity, attention to detail and excellent concentration skills are also necessities. A degree is preferred by some employers, but is by no means essential.
What you can earn: Trainee Mechanics earn somewhere around the £10,000 mark whilst they’re still learning the trade. However, experienced mechanics salaries could reach as high as £30,000 relatively quickly.
Perfect for: People who check the oil in their car on a regular basis.
Our advice: The easiest way to become a Mechanic is to go through an apprenticeship scheme. Not only are they a great way to gain practical knowledge whilst earning a regular wage, they’re also often the key to landing a full-time position with a company once you’re fully trained. And, as with any other trade, the qualifications you gain will be a big boost to your CV.
Mechanical Engineer
What they do: Mechanical Engineers, also known as Vehicle Technicians, design, develop, test and manufacture materials used to create machinery. Within the automotive industry, they could work on anything from constructing engine components and building bodywork through to coming up with solutions to reduce emissions and servicing robotic machinery.
What you need: Aside from a genuine passion for maths and automotives, a good understanding of key scientific principles and a methodical approach to your work is essential. A degree is not necessary, but specific mechanical engineering qualifications or apprenticeships will be key to finding the right position.
What you can earn: Starting salary is usually around £20,000, but skilled Mechanical Engineers will easily earn £30,000+ within a few years.
Perfect for: People who like tinkering (and/or taking things apart).
Our advice: Take up hobbies which enable you to gain a practical knowledge of mechanics. Auto mechanics, metalworking, and even robotics are good examples and will be valuable interests to add to your CV and help set yourself apart from the competition.
View all Mechanical Engineer jobs
How to become a Mechanical Engineer
Top tips
Here are some of our top tips for finding a job in the motoring industry:
- Get your hands dirty – Building up relevant experience can be key for breaking into the motor industry, and doesn’t need to be all that hard to gain. Internships, apprenticeships, work placements and work experience positions are all great ways to learn.
- Demonstrate your skills – Pick out the most relevant attributes from the job description and tailor your CV to emphasise them.
- Make the most of your hobbies – Use your interests to build up your industry knowledge. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a Mechanic, it makes sense to pursue your passion in your free time, and have something to pontificate about at interview (Warning: Breakdown Engineers may wish to consider other hobbies).
- Get qualified – If you need specific qualifications for the job, be pro-active and find a course that works for you. Whether it’s a HGV license or a qualification to validate your negotiation skills, the right qualifications will help you get to where you want to go.
- Ask around – If you know where you want to be, try getting insider advice from people in the industry. Not only will they provide you with practical advice, they’ll also be able to keep you up-to-date with the latest vacancies available in their organisation.
Ready to pursue a career in the motoring industry? View all motoring and automotive positions now, or get qualified with a transport and logistics qualification.
