The automotive sector is a vibrant, dynamic industry that continues to develop and change. It is also an industry packed with opportunities, making an education in the automotive sector one that provides excellent prospects for the future.
Gaining qualifications
To work in the automotive sector, you usually need an associate’s degree in automotive technology training. These courses typically last two years, and as part of the training, you will be likely to undertake an apprenticeship at a car manufacturer to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, courses covered by an automotive associate’s degree include math, suspension and steering, engine diagnosis, and automotive emissions.
Education does not finish once you’re qualified, with entry-level positions usually involving working alongside experienced mechanics for up to five years before you’re considered fully qualified. For those wanting to advance their career, further qualifications can be achieved to allow a specialism or to gain a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in automotive technology.
When wanting to undertake further study, there is often not the time to attend both university and work full-time. In these circumstances, an excellent option is to study online. With Kettering Global, you can study for an online manufacturing degree designed for busy, working professionals with the chance to gain a Master of Science Lean Manufacturing in as little as one year.
Professional opportunities
After studying, there are numerous professional opportunities for graduates as they look for their first position. Opportunities tend to arise in repair, service, design, engineering and manufacturing. Jobs include automotive service technicians and mechanics, which inspect, maintain and repair cars, while the focus of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is on larger vehicles such as those that might be used in farming and construction. Other graduates may choose specialisms such as automotive body and glass repairers, or mechanical engineering technicians, which design and test mechanical and thermal devices such as batteries, air conditioning and heating systems. Some graduates take their love and knowledge of cars down a sales route, selling either cars or parts.
Future prospects of the automotive sector
Those starting their automotive sector education now are entering the industry at an exciting time. Traditionally, cars have run on gas or diesel, but environmental concerns mean that electric cars are likely to develop over the next years.
The industry is also moving towards lean manufacturing, where waste is reduced without losing productivity, boosting innovation and bringing greater value to customers. Another exciting development is autonomous or self-driving vehicles, something that might transform the roads. Communication between vehicles or vehicles and traffic management is also likely to develop, while shared fleets of cars may become the norm, helping to make more efficient use of expensive vehicles.
We are all used to our tech, such as computers and phones, upgrading their systems regularly, and this also could be the future for vehicles, with yearly upgrades keeping the hardware and software of vehicles cutting edge.
Whatever part of the automotive sector you may one day work in, there are excellent prospects and exciting opportunities from an education in this fast-growing industry.