Car manufacturing worker
Car manufacturing workers build motor vehicles by assembling parts on a production line.
Also known as: Car maker, assembly line worker, motor vehicle assembler
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£32,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 42 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
How to become a car manufacturing worker
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
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a car manufacturer, for example:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
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.
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.
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 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
Career path and progression
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.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleProduction worker (manufacturing)
- Job roleMechanical engineering technician
- Job roleFast fit technician
- Job roleQuality control officer
- Job roleAutomotive engineer
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