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Automotive

The UK automotive sector is a dynamic and influential industry, employing over 800,000 people and contributing significantly to the economy. It is home to global manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, BMW and Toyota, alongside thousands of suppliers, research centres and specialist firms. The sector spans design, engineering, production, logistics, retail, marketing and finance, offering diverse entry points for graduates and students. 

The industry is also renowned worldwide for its leadership in motorsport. The UK is the global hub of Formula 1, with seven of the ten F1 teams based here, as well as a thriving motorsport “cluster” in areas such as Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. Careers in this field range from high-performance engineering and aerodynamics to data analysis, event management and commercial operations, with a strong emphasis on innovation and cutting-edge technology. 

The sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles, sustainability targets and digitalisation. Skills in areas such as battery technology, software engineering and sustainable design are increasingly valued, alongside traditional engineering and business expertise. 

For graduates motivated by innovation, speed and problem-solving, the UK automotive and motorsport industries present exciting opportunities to help shape the future of mobility. 

Engineering & Technical Roles 

If you are interested in this sector, you might also be curious to read about  

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for.  Employers in this sector stress the importance of having work experience as this is a hands-on way to develop your skills.  

  • Adaptability and resilience – coping with change, high-pressure situations and innovation cycles.
  • Attention to detail – especially critical in safety, quality and performance roles.
  • Commercial awareness – understanding market trends, costs and customer needs.
  • Communication – explaining complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Creativity – generating ideas to improve products, processes and user experience.
  • Digital and data skills – coding, data analysis, simulation tools and CAD/CAE software.
  • Engineering fundamentals – mechanical, electrical or automotive engineering knowledge.
  • Global mindset – readiness to work in international teams and supply chains.
  • Passion for mobility and technology – enthusiasm for vehicles, motorsport or sustainability.
  • Problem-solving and innovation – applying theory to real-world technical and commercial challenges.
  • Project management & organisation – working to deadlines in fast-paced environments.
  • Specialist knowledge – such as sustainability, battery technology, AI and autonomous systems.
  • Teamwork and collaboration – essential in cross-functional projects. 

To develop these skills, Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term. Also read through the sections about Developing Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.   

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to build relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in: 

Exeter Students’ Guild Societies based in Exeter 

Students’ Union in Cornwall 

Volunteering 

Voluntary work experience which will give you administrative and/or management experience can enhance your skills and increase your chances of success.   

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

  • Career Zone Internship schemes are a great way to gain work experience and evidence many of the skills required to work in project management, engineering, transport management etc.
  • Green Consultants is an award-winning programme with an online technical learning about sustainability consulting, a live group project and finally an opportunity to apply for a paid internship with an external organisation.
  • Student Campus Partner (SCP) and Student Business Partner (SBP) internships at Exeter are designed to fit in alongside your studies and help enrich your experience.
  • Grand Challenges is a project week in June each year in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges. 

Finding Part-time Work  

Many students work part-time during their studies.  Part-time jobs are often in the hospitality or retail sectors and frequently have administrative or managerial tasks associated with the individual roles.  Search for part-time work here: 

  • Handshake
  • General job sites such as Find a Job or Indeed (filter on “part-time” and “Exeter”)
  • Identify and call into local businesses with your CV to ask about part-time jobs
  • Attend the part-time / casual jobs fair, held twice yearly on Streatham Campus
  • Penryn Campus Careers Fairs. 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities  

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and make speculative applications.  Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.   

Graduate schemes and internships  

 Placements   

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.   

  • Bright Network is a great website for seeking out graduate jobs and placements
  • Prospects: site covering a range of roles including engineering
  • Target Jobs is a general jobs board for graduate jobs 

Further sources of support  

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.  

 To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options. 

Find a master’s is a great website for exploring Masters courses around the world.  This link takes you to the Automotive Engineering options.  

Information and links from professional bodies  

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.   

  • Automotive Council UK A strategic body that supports UK automotive competitiveness through industrial roadmaps, policy formation, and collaboration between government and industry.
  • Automotive Industrial Partnership (AIP) A collaborative initiative between government and automotive employers (e.g., Bentley, Ford, JLR, Toyota) aiming to strengthen skills development, recruitment, and workforce retention in the UK automotive sector.
  • Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK)Focuses on standards and best practices in commercial road transport. IRTE issues the Irtec licence, a voluntary certification for automotive technicians working on HGVs, LCVs, buses, and coaches.
  • Institute of Transport Administration (IoTA) A professional association dedicated to transport management, covering road, rail, sea and air. It offers accredited training such as Driver CPC, operator licence awareness and compliance audits.
  • Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) A leading trade association representing the UK automotive aftermarket, suppliers, parts distributors, garages, and service providers. Members benefit from lobbying, training, market intelligence, legal support and events.
  • Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE)
  • Society of Operational Engineers (SOE) Focuses on standards and best practices in commercial road transport. IRTE issues the Irtec licence, a voluntary certification for automotive technicians working on HGVs, LCVs, buses and coaches.
  • Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) The international professional body and awarding organisation for automotive professionals. It oversees qualifications, training, and professional standards across the motor industry.
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) – Automobile Division.
  • Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) Represents manufacturers and suppliers in the powered two-wheeler sector and supports the motorcycle industry.
  • Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT+1)  One of the UK’s most influential trade associations for the automotive sector, covering R&D, manufacturing of cars, vans, trucks, buses, also software, servicing and supply chains. It advocates on behalf of its members, providing intelligence, networking and policy support.
  • The Faraday InstitutionThe UK’s independent institute for battery research and development, focused on electrochemical energy storage, skills, and commercialization for electric vehicle technologies. 

Advice  

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.