JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 256

he motor industry is a
huge part of modern
life. From getting
people to work and
leisure pursuits, to
delivering goods
around the UK, it keeps the country
moving. After taking a hit during the
recession, the British car industry is
now booming again. It's currently worth
£152 billion a year and employs around
800,000 people, offering ample
opportunities for job-seekers.
In fact, according to a recent study
by the Institute of the Motor Industry,
British car makers are doing so well
there's now a skills shortage, to the tune
of 5,000 job vacancies. Car dealers and
garages are also struggling to fill
a growing number of vacancies.
'The motor industry is one of the UK
economy's most successful industries,'
says Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of
the Motor Industry (IMI). 'It offers
immense potential for individuals across
a broad spectrum of skills, from
engineers and mechanics to business
development and sales people.'
Although the automotive industry is
traditionally seen as male-dominated,
let's not forget there are now legions of
women successfully carving careers in
every single one of its sectors. As well as
the roles we've listed here, there are
dozens of different avenues to discover
- from branch management, buyer
finance and remarketing partnerships to
logistics, inventory and beyond.
So it's a great time to consider a career
in the automotive industry, whether you
like to get your hands dirty, or you prefer
to do something a little more formal.
From mechanics and roadside recovery
technicians to sales executives and fleet
managers (or perhaps even getting your
car fix as a parking warden?), if you've
got a passion for cars, there's a job to suit
you and your skills.

Motor mechanic
A motor mechanic (or vehicle technician)
repairs, services and maintains vehicles,
from cars and motorbikes to lorries and
coaches. This includes the engine,
exhaust system and all working parts.
You'll diagnose problems, repair and
replace parts, test and service vehicles,
and fit accessories such as alarms and
sound systems. Jobs can be found in
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garages, car dealerships and car auction
houses, as well as companies with their
own fleet of vehicles, such as transport
or freight companies. You can also be
self-employed.
What skills do I need? You need to
be practical, methodical and good at
problem-solving. Good communication
skills are also important for explaining
problems and solutions simply to customers.
How much will I earn? Salaries start at
around £15,000, rising to £25,000 for a
senior technician or manager.
What's the route into the job? The most
common way is through an

apprenticeship scheme. GCSEs in maths,
science, English, IT and design and
technology are all helpful for getting
accepted. Approved college courses in
vehicle maintenance and repair are
another popular route. Most people
receive continuing training on the job,
as you'll need to keep up to date with
developments in vehicle technology.

Car fleet manager
A fleet manager looks after the operation
of a company's vehicles - for instance,
in a vehicle leasing company or freight
company, or a fleet management agency.
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