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Motor vehicles

If you have an interest in motor vehicles, then you may decide to choose a career in the motor industry. There are lots of different jobs to suit your skills, qualifications and interests. You could choose a career in design and manufacture, service, maintenance and repair or sales and after-service. Below are just a few examples of some of the careers available within the automotive industry.

Automotive engineers

Are responsible for designing, developing and testing vehicles and their components. This may involve anything from designing the early concept to testing the finished vehicle. An automotive engineer will be heavily involved with testing, using computer aided design and real-life track testing. This is a dynamic industry which is always moving forward. It demands the production of vehicles that produce less pollution, incorporate new features and are safer, yet cost no more money.

You will usually be expected to have a degree in engineering or an automotive-related subject. Useful subjects to study at school include electronics, engineering, science and maths. There are many opportunities to work abroad, so a second language can also be useful.

Motor vehicle technicians

Maintain vehicles such as cars, vans, lorries and buses to keep them safe. They will carry out repairs and maintain vehicles for members of the public or for organisations. An engineer who specialises in light vehicles (cars and vans) may often perform MOTs or fit car alarms or stereos. You can also specialise by working on heavy duty vehicles like transport lorries, farm machinery or those used in construction like diggers and cranes.

Training is usually given on the job, as is day release to college. Apprenticeships leading to NVQs are available and advanced apprenticeships may lead to higher qualifications such as an HND.

Other careers that involve motor vehicles Car sales executive Car valet HGV technician Motorcycle technician Motorsports engineer Operations manager Paint sprayer Plant engineer Tyre/exhaust fitter Vehicle body finisher/body repair specialist Vehicle breakdown technicians Windscreen fitter

Want to know more?

www.ied.org.uk  useful information for those interested in product design within the motor industry.