JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 246

Let's motor

Do you get revved up about vehicles? The automative industry may be right up your street

T

his is a great time to join
the automotive industry.
There are more than 30
manufacturers building
in excess of 70 models
of vehicle in the UK, supported by
2,500 component providers and some
of the world's most skilled engineers.
Car sales have fallen recently, but Mike
Hawes, chief executive of the Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has
pointed out that last year's performance
followed two years of record sales. "We
need to put it into context," he said.
"2017 was still the third best year in
a decade and the sixth best ever.
"There will be investment in
careers and schemes for graduates and
apprentices to ensure the UK has the
necessary skills pool to maintain our
engineering and manufacturing strengths
for many years to come," he added.

Training wheels
There are options for both graduates and
school leavers within the automotive
industry, and it's a popular choice for
apprenticeships; there are approximately
18,000 apprentices learning and
working in automotive retail alone.
There are plenty of vehicle-related
careers to choose from. If you enjoy
sales, there are roles available in
car auction houses and showrooms,
selling cars to the trade and public.
If you'd prefer something a bit more
hands-on, the number of vehicle
maintenance and repair businesses
in the UK has increased over the past
decade by 48%. There are more than 32
million vehicles on the roads, and the
industry needs plenty of technicians
and fitters to keep our cars, vans,
motorcycles, lorries and buses moving.

2 4 6 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S

Sales executive
If you are persuasive, selling vehicles
could provide you with an exciting career.
You'll need to have self-confidence, good
maths and good communication skills
to explain technical matters in a clear
way to people who are not experts.
What qualifications do I need? No formal
qualifications are required, but GCSEs
grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
will give you a head start. It can help if you

have previous sales experience, but many
employers place more importance on your
personality and your knowledge of cars and
the motor industry. In most jobs you would
be expected to have a full, clean driving
licence. Apprenticeships are available.
How much can I earn? Salaries for
junior staff start at £12,000, rising to
£17,000. You'll usually get commission,
which could double your salary.



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

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