Careers Spotlight: Automotive repair

last year in the UK we spent £2.8bn repairing our vehicles.  In the past vehicle if you mentioned vehicle repair people would imagine a male dominated workshop.  This is not the case.  Having a great career in automotive is based on your passion for learning how to repair and service cars or working with others to solve the needs of customers—not your gender.

The opportunity for women is abundant in this industry. Women tend to possess communication skills that help build trust and relationships with customers, allowing them to succeed in any role within the profession.

With the advanced technology in cars today, electronic diagnostic equipment is as much a part of the industry as a wrench. Some jobs in the field will always be hands-on (which is great for many folks who love it), but there are many positions that don’t depend on having a mechanical nature.

Great careers exist in roles like estimator, parts manager or service advisor. 

Of course, it’s essential for techs to have mechanical abilities. But with the ever-expanding technology in vehicles, auto techs also need to be computer savvy and enjoy learning about new features and materials. Every model includes new options and technology that didn’t even exist a few years ago. On top of the technical know-how, auto techs need to work well in a team setting and be personable when interacting with customers.

Boosting your CV

So what is a CV?  CV is short for Curriculum Vitae and is a short document which summarises your unique skills, character, experience and achievements.  

For students it can feel difficult to know what to write as you haven't had the time to build up the experience that employers always seem to want.

In this section we will look at ways of making your CV stand out for future employers so you can get that dream job.  So far we have looked at  ideas such as attending after school clubs and work experience placements.  This month we consider professional and industry organisations

Professional organisations:

Most specialisations and industries have a professional body, normally an association or institute, which people with the appropriate background, experience or qualifications can join. What can you gain by joining such a body?  Is it worth the membership fee? Will it help your job search? Here are some of the potential benefits that membership can offer.

Professional Recognition

Most institutions have an assessment process that applicants must pass before they are granted membership. This means that, once you have demonstrated that you have the requisite experience, qualifications and skills, you may join the institution and add the appropriate letters to your CV and business card. Membership shows that you have reached a certain level of expertise in your profession, and adds to your credibility.  It also shows that you are serious about your career and professional development. But remember just being a card carrying member of an organization doesn’t mean that this will automatically produce results for you – and you need to analyse the different types of professional bodies or institutes and chose carefully – simply collecting post nominal accreditation when taken to extremes can work counter-productively too!!

Information and Advice

Many institutions have web sites offering members password protected access to industry news, surveys, reports, updates, career information, jobs, and details of events. Some, like the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), offer a comprehensive on-line research facility, with downloadable documents and publications, and a facility for answering questions you may have.

Networking Opportunities

Institutions may have regional networking and professional development events that you can attend, which can be useful for making new contacts and learning more about what’s happening in the sector. National expos and conferences also offer excellent networking and research opportunities. If you wish to raise your profile you can volunteer to join committees and help organise events.

As a recent school leaver you may be able to get a discount on joining these organisations.  Even if you do not join the organisation if you are able to refer to it in your application letter or interview it will show the interviewer that you care about the job and have researched the industry you want to work in, making you a more attractive candidate. 

The link below will help you put together your CV

Current Opportunities

This month we have an opportunity to meet with AECOM, a world leading engineering consultancy and we have a webinar on careers in cyber security.

AECOM Apprentice Open Evening - 9 February 2023

we are a Global engineering and professional services provider operating in the built environment with apprentice opportunities across the UK including locally in St Albans. 

After a COVID break, we are pleased to announce the return of our popular apprentice open evening at our

St Albans office.  This will be held on the evening of 9th February 2023 from 5pm to 7pm. This event will be of particular interest to A-Level and GCSE students interested in exploring alternative career paths to University as a route to obtaining a degree. Younger students who may be considering a career in engineering will also find the event informative. We also welcome parents to accompany their children if preferred.

Each of our teams will show case their work and will happily discuss the planning, design and engineering behind a variety of exciting projects, along with any questions you may have.

Our recruitment teams will be on hand, along with representatives from local colleges and universities, who will be able to advise on opportunities and career paths.

Currently, within the UK we have circa 95 apprenticeships open with a number available in St Albans, ready to be filled with the next generation of world class engineers, planners and professionals.

Further details are given on the attached poster including how to register for the event.