There are a huge range of jobs available across Sales, Service, Bodyshop, Parts, Admin. and Accounts but what is of most interest is the jobs that you can apply for and get into at an early age:
Sales
This is not just car sales, it also covers van and all commercial vehicles. It tends to be split between retail sales to private buyers and business to business sales. The role involves meeting people to find out what their budget is. From this you will identify vehicles that match a customer’s requirements, demonstrate such vehicles then negotiate a deal and make the sale. These jobs tend to have high potential earnings but the hours can be long. Some companies are unable to employ Sales Executives under a certain age as insurance companies will limit the cover they are willing to provide.Technicians
Technicians may also be known as Fitters or Mechanics and work on cars, vans, trucks and buses. When a vehicle needs servicing, an MOT test or some other electrical or mechanical repair, the Technician must diagnose the fault by driving the vehicle, talking to the driver and/or using diagnostic equipment. Once they know what the fault is they strip and repair the faulty part or fit a completely new one. With training, Technicians who reach the ‘top of their game’ will always be in demand.Painter/Panel Beater
When a vehicle has been damaged i.e. in a crash, it goes into what is known as a bodyshop where first Panel Beaters will remove and replace damaged panels, if possible they will repair a panel rather than replace it. Once they have done their work the Painter will mix paint to the correct colour/shade and apply it to the vehicle to match its pre-accident condition. Due to ongoing skill shortages fully trained Painters and Panel Beaters will rarely be out of work. This can be a dusty and noisy environment.Parts
When vehicles are in workshops or bodyshops for repairs, parts will most likely be required as part of those repairs. Parts wholesalers hold huge amounts of stock in massive warehouses to be distributed to smaller regional shops/branches and dealerships. Staff in this department have to ensure the correct stock is ordered in, check every delivery and enter it onto a computer to show that it is in stock. Once a part has been sold, the part will be logged off the system so that at all times everyone knows what is in stock. Everything from the smallest screws to large body panels will be kept in this department. Good organisation stills and an eye for detail are needed in this job.Accounts
All businesses need to make a profit so someone has to count the pounds and pennies to ensure this happens. The accounts staff have a record of all things that the business spends money on and all income it receives. Money coming in can be a result of selling vehicles, parts or workshop/bodyshop hours. Costs can range from buying pens and toilet rolls to new buildings and must be recorded accurately. Obviously you need good IT skills and an understanding of numbers.Administration
All businesses large and small create paperwork and the motor industry is no different. Administration roles come in a variety of forms and can be in any of the departments. A lot of woman do these jobs but there are a lot of male administrators. Sometimes admin. tasks can overlap with accounts and vice versa. A key skill here is IT plus good attention to detail.