Car fanatic? How to launch your career in the UK’s automotive sector
The UK’s automotive sector offers a lot for budding engineers – with a strong presence of both homegrown and international manufacturers there is a lot of room for career development.
However, the sector is competitive, and breaking into it requires more than just technical skills.
Firstly, a solid educational foundation is crucial as most employers expect candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or electrical engineering. To enhance your chances, choose a degree program that offers specialised courses in automotive engineering – universities like Cranfield and Loughborough are particularly well regarded.
Additional certifications in areas such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), FEA (Finite Element Analysis), or Six Sigma can also set you apart from other candidates. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise, pursuing postgraduate studies could be beneficial, particularly if you’re interested in emerging fields like autonomous vehicles or electric powertrains.
But while a strong academic background is important, practical experience could be key to securing your first job in the sector. This is where internships and placements come in. Seeking out internships or placements with automotive companies during your studies would be an excellent place to start. These experiences not only provide hands-on experience but also allow you to build valuable industry connections.
If you’re early in your career or considering a switch to the automotive field, an apprenticeship might be a good option. Many companies offer apprenticeships that provide both practical experience and academic training.
Participating in university projects such as the Formula Student initiative, where students design and build race cars, could help you demonstrate your practical skills to potential employers.
The automotive industry is very broad, encompassing traditional internal combustion engines to cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and autonomous driving systems. Therefore, specialising in a specific niche could make you more attractive to employers.
It worth considering that the UK is planning to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in the coming decade, so expertise in electric vehicles will be particularly sought after. Similarly, the development of autonomous vehicles is a rapidly growing area – so consider areas such as AI, sensor technology, or control systems.
Sustainability is another area to consider which could entail gaining knowledge in areas like sustainable materials, light weighting, and energy efficiency.
Joining professional organisations, such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), could help you to network with the right people and be perfectly placed should an opportunity arise. Attending industry events, such as automotive conferences, trade shows, and career fairs, is another effective tool in this regard. Events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed or the UK Automotive International Conference can be great places to connect with potential employers.
For tips on CV writing, job searching, and interview practice, the E+T Jobs blog has many posts on these subjects.