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Car manufacturing worker
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)
£22000
Starter
£32000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 a Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a car manufacturer.
    This takes around one year to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training with learning in the classroom.
    You could also train in battery production for the electric vehicle industry by doing a Battery Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
    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
    equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    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.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    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
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    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.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    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.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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