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Car manufacturing worker

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

Annual Salary

£22,000 to £32,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

38 to 42 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; on shifts

5.8%
Future employment

There will be 5.8% fewer Car manufacturing worker jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a car manufacturing worker, you could:

  • attend shift briefings to get instructions and updates
  • fix engines and frames to vehicle chassis
  • assemble parts using robotic welders and hand tools
  • operate paint spraying equipment
  • fit interiors, wiring, lights, dashboards and windscreens
  • carry out quality control checks, using digital readouts and manual inspections
  • report production problems to supervisors
  • move finished vehicles to storage areas ready for shipping

Working environment

You could work at a car manufacturing plant.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get a trainee job.

Courses include:

  • engineering
  • design and technology
  • manufacturing technology
  • preparing for work in engineering and manufacturing

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a car manufacturer.

This takes around one year to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training with learning in the classroom.

There is a Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to train in the service and repair of production line machinery.

You could also train in battery production for the electric vehicle industry by doing a Battery Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct application

Car manufacturing companies run recruitment drives during busy periods. When this happens, you could apply directly for a job as a production worker.

Experience in manufacturing, vehicle fitting or maintenance would be useful though not essential.

Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.

If you're taken on, the company will put you through training, and may offer you the chance to apply for an apprenticeship.

More information

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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.

You may wish to specialise in battery production, working for an electric vehicle manufacturer.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • 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
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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