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Car manufacturing worker

Alternative titles for this job include Car maker, assembly line worker, motor vehicle assembler

Car manufacturing workers build motor vehicles by assembling parts on a production line.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a car manufacturing worker

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a lean manufacturing operative intermediate apprenticeship.

You may also be able to do an advanced apprenticeship in vehicle upholstery with certain luxury car manufacturers.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Embroidery Machinist Manufacturing Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312.00 Annually
  • Location: Fieldfare Road, Cotgrave, Nottingham

Apprentice Print / Embroidery Assistant

  • Wage: £13,312.00 Annually
  • Location: Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

  • Provider: HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 16 September 2024
  • Location: HARTLEPOOL

HNC Manufacturing Operations

  • Provider: YEOVIL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 17 September 2024
  • Location: Yeovil
Find courses near you

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