Job Overview Have you imagined how life would be without automobiles? Before it would be possible to be living without vehicles but in this modern times when people are too busy, life would be unbearable without cars. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are known automobile manufacturers who had been supplying vehicles to millions of people. To manufacture a vehicle, there are many parts and specifications that need to be put together. Automotive industry workers consist of precision metalworker, machinists, tool programmers, maintenance workers, welders, inspectors and floor or line supervisors.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Mechanical skills are needed by automotive industry workers and this are enhanced by classes in high school like Electronics, Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Welding and Computer Programming and Design. Since they will read blueprints when working, Mathematics class such as Geometry and Algebra are beneficial. To be familiar with properties of metals, Chemistry class is helpful. English class is also recommended. Those who want to work in well-known automotive companies are advised to get certifications, training and experience to be qualified. Vocational schools and community colleges offer formal trainings in Toolmaking, Machining and Welding.
Skills and Abilities
The most important skill to be qualified to work in an automotive industry is the mechanical skill in doing several tasks with the use of tool and equipment. It is important for them to be able to lift heavy objects and stand for long hours while working. They need to have an excellent hand and finger coordination.
They should work accurately and safely, and patiently especially when doing a seemingly tedious repetitive work.
Duties
Responsibilities of automotive industry worker depends on the task that is assigned to them. Those who create dies, guiding and holding device and metal tools are called precision metalworkers.They are highly skilled in creating and molding small metal pieces or metal parts that are needed for vehicles. They use equipment and machines such as like drill presses, milling machines and lathes, to name a few. Part of their job is to select the materials and tools that will be needed. They usually produce metal parts in large quantities. On the other hand, those who write the computer programs which make the machines operate are called tool programmers. Workers who repair or create new parts for machines that are being used are called maintenance workers. Melting and fusing metal parts to be joined are performed by welders. Inspectors make sure that manufacturing process are made properly to create quality automobiles.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Since there are different works and tasks performed by automotive industry workers, their salary depends on the type of responsibility they have and how long they have been working in the company. For the assemblers, they usually earn $27,000 while welders earn $32,344 in a year. The income of a supervisor ranges from $60,000 to $75,000. Even big automotive companies had been greatly affected by financial crisis. This resulted to job losses and layoffs. Job opportunities are not high for this profession at this time.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.