Cracking the automotive industry nut

[Jimmy No Hands]

I know this is a frequently asked question on here and has probably been done to death but I'm in a major rut at the moment. I'm in a pretty monotonous job, that is far from a career. The hours are good, the money isn't bad but I just know it leads nowhere and if I'm honest I'm no remotely interested in it. I work hard and I'm punctual because I am grateful I have a job and having previously suffered a redundancy I know it isn't terribly easy to find decent work.

I would love a job in the automotive industry. I'm kicking myself for not trying for an apprenticeship when I was 17. I'd murder an opportunity to start from scratch and train as a technician/body repair/body spraying etc. but knocking on 23 I don't think theres any hope for apprenticeships now, and even if I could I don't think I could manage to live off £95 a week. The other end is sales which I'm not too keen on but would favor me better as having worked in hospitality at a management level every aspect was about communication, presentation and maximizing sales. I even had a stint at running a high street pub by myself. (Never again). I'm very professional and I adapt extremely well. A lot of skills that could transfer over I'm sure. But 95% of positions posted require actual experience as a car sales person. (Obviously, who wants an expensive brew maker? .. no really, anyone?)

My question is where to start? Everybody starts somewhere and with experience being king these days what are the options available? There is very little in the way of evening courses available where I am and I don't think tinkering around in my garage counts.

I am willing to start at the very bottom and salary isn't an issue (to an extent). I just want to know there's hope as I am loosing the drive at the moment as it's seemingly impossible. The longer I wait the less realistic I think it is.


Cheers PH.

[Jimmy No Hands]

West Yorkshire. Don't mind a commute as long as its reasonable. Where do you suggest I start looking?

[Jimmy No Hands]

There's a few Kwik Fit fitter apprenticeships about, but honestly I wouldn't survive on £95 a week. Not nowadays. And I think they are a lot less inclined to take on anyone above 18 due not to being able to get funding (I think?) Several parts advisors jobs available but most if not all want experience from the same or similar background.

I think I'd be even lucky to just get an interview with the experience I have (minimal/none). Nothing screams entry level to me, or obvious way in. Worth throwing my CV at though.

Edit: Sending a letter to local dealerships doesn't seem like a bad idea either. Have e-mailed a few with a covering letter and CV but to no avail yet.

Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Monday 10th October 21:06

[Jimmy No Hands]

I even applied for a show room assistants job at a local Aston dealers, which involved a bit of cleaning and detailing, but it also involved delivering vehicles or picking them up, a-lot of customer interaction. I scrub up well, I'm confident, I've got a list as long as my arm of courses I have completed all relating to first impressions, presenting yourself, communication etc. It helps that they are my favorite marque and I adore everything Aston. I felt like I could really do it justice, even if it was basic.

They sent me a reply via post a few months later saying although I had a lot of relevant skills there were far more experienced people for the role. It was nice to hear back, especially with a reason, which even included a few positives.

I'm not expecting to stroll into a job delivering £100k super cars but just granted an interview I know I'd impress.

[Jimmy No Hands]

robmlufc said:

Bae are still running apprenticeships out of Robin Hood, they have had people of all ages go through the system. I think 25 is a common cut off age for apprenticeships but a lot of places will take you on regardless of age.

BAE? Sorry for my ignorance but who?


Fake edit: Aircraft technician? Not really what I want to do..