Apprenticeship Automotive Engineering Jobs

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Helping you find a career in the automotive engineering industry

The automotive sector contributes over £20 billion to the UK economy every year. Engineering and design plays a critical role in the automotive sector by designing new vehicles and modifying existing ones.

Many employers within the automotive sector are large, private sector organisations. There are also independent automotive design consultancies, component manufacturers , laboratory testers and oil firms. There are also apprenticeship opportunities with smaller automotive businesses.

An apprenticeship is a recognised route into an engineering position within the automotive sector. Once you build your experience, you can specialise in one of three areas:

Research & Development (R&D): Involves identifying properties of different materials
Design: Focuses on designing and developing prototypes for new vehicles or components
Production: Includes working closely with the manufacturing teams to ensure mechanical systems are correct and working

You'll spend time in a mixture of laboratory, office and factory sites.

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FAQs
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FAQs

Which skills are needed to work in the automotive engineering industry?

The automotive industry can be a competitive one, given the popularity of certain brands. It's important to have a genuine passion for vehicles, engineering, design and production to succeed.

It's also helpful to keep up with technological and market developments to stay in the loop..

You'll need to be both good at maths and also be able to follow complicated technical plans. Strong problem-solving skills will also be useful if you want to be an engineer.

What are typical career progress routes within the automotive engineering sector?

Most employers offer two separate apprenticeship programmes, a Higher/Advanced Apprenticeship scheme for those entering at Level 2 (i.e. holding GCSE level qualifications) and a Degree Apprenticeship scheme for those entering at Level 3 (i.e. holding A-level or equivalent qualifications).

These apprenticeship programmes usually combine technical aspects of automotive engineering with on-the-job work placements.

As you progress through the course of your apprenticeship you will be able to specialise within a specific discipline.

Once you complete your apprenticeship, there will be a variety of different career paths open to you, including vehicle and engine design, automotive repair or production Engineering.

Many larger employers offer qualified engineers the opportunity to achieve Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Becoming a chartered engineer can be crucial to progressing your career within automotive engineering, allowing you to reach senior roles within engineering departments.

How can I get into the industry?

Arrange a meeting with your careers advisor to discuss your interest in working within the automotive sector. Also get advice on identifying potential employers and work experience opportunities to help you stand out from the crowd.

Explore the National Apprenticeship Service website for more information about Apprenticeships and the support you can receive from the government.

Most larger employers in the automotive engineering sector recruit apprentices annually through their websites. take note of the application opening and closing dates.

Smaller organisations may recruit throughout the year and post opportunities with your local FE College.

How much do automotive engineering professionals earn?

Those beginning an automotive apprenticeships will typically earn between £10,500 and £15,000, with some employers offering slightly higher starting salaries (£16,000 to £18,000).

Many employers will offer regular opportunities to increase your salary depending on your performance at work and academically during the course of your apprenticeship . Once you complete your apprenticeship programme, engineering salaries are, on average between £30,000 and £45,000 per annum.

If you go on to achieve CEng or IEng status there will be opportunities for further salary increases to between £45,000 and £65,000 per annum.

What qualifications do I need for a career in automotive engineering?

For applicants to Higher/Advanced Apprenticeships in Automotive Engineering, you will typically need:

3-5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Level 4-9/ Grade A*- C including Maths

For applicants to Degree Apprenticeships in automotive engineering, you will usually need:

2 A-Levels at Grade C and above or a minimum of a pass in a BTEC Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification

Read more about the automotive engineering industry

https://semta.org.uk/

Automotive engineering industry bodies

Institue of Mechanical Engineers
Engineering Council
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
Automotive Council UK
The Engineer

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