The automotive industry broadly covers the manufacturing of cars and vehicles. Engineers are responsible for a variety of things including safety, design, software, electronics, electrics and mechanics. There are three broad areas in which automotive engineers work. They are product engineering, development and manufacturing
Once established, engineers will often move into a more specialised area within design, testing or research. Specialist areas include engine design, structural design and exhaust system development. Automotive engineers may be expected to prepare budgets and timing estimates, work with suppliers and supervise other technical specialists. This means not only a high level of technical proficiency is required, but also the ability to work with others and some numerical skill
Because there are such a wide variety of jobs on offer in this field, training might be acquired through an apprenticeship or more formally through a technical college. After four years of working in the industry, and depending on the role, an engineer can expect a salary of somewhere between £30,000 and £40,000.

• Having strong interest in vehicle design and engineering.
• Being able to work within budgets.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to prioritise projects.
• Having teamwork skills.
• Being able to organise programmes of work.
• Being creative and adaptable.
• Having math skills.
• Being able to handle complex information.
• Having good time management skills.

Automotive area requires applicants having engineering degrees or academic qualifications with a strong engineering focus. Suitable degrees for this industry are automotive engineering, electrical engineering, engineering design, motorsport engineering, and mechanical engineering. It is recommended to have an accredited degree by a professional institute such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

There are technical job placements in this industry that only require a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation degree in engineering subjects.