Car manufacturing worker apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
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.
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 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 Level 2 apprenticeship.
You may also be able to do a Level 3 apprenticeship in vehicle upholstery with certain luxury car manufacturers.
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
Some car manufacturing companies take on trainees, so you can learn the skills you need on the job.
Direct Application
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.
Car manufacturing worker apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Car manufacturing worker apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work at a car manufacturing plant.
Career path and progression - Car manufacturing worker apprenticeships
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.