High School

Many automotive industry jobs require mechanical skills, so you should take advantage of any shop programs your high school offers, such as auto mechanics, electronics, welding, drafting, and computer programming and computer-aided design. In the core subject areas, mathematics, including algebra and geometry, is useful for reading blueprints and using software programs that direct machine functions. Chemistry is useful for workers who need to be familiar with the properties of metals. English classes are also important to help you communicate verbally with both supervisors and coworkers and to read and understand complex instructions.

Postsecondary Training

Many of the jobs in an automotive plant are classified as semiskilled or unskilled positions, and people with some mechanical aptitude, physical ability, and a high school diploma are qualified to do them. However, there is often stiff competition for unskilled and semiskilled jobs with large automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis because they offer good benefits and pay compared to jobs that require respective similar skill levels. Therefore, if you have some postsecondary training, certification, or experience, you stand a better chance of getting a job in the automotive industry than someone with only a high school diploma.

Formal training for machining, welding, and toolmaking is offered in vocational schools, vocational-technical institutes, community and technical colleges, and private schools. Increasingly, such postsecondary training or certification is the route many workers take to getting an automotive industry job. With that said, some people train for the field by completing apprenticeships and on-the-job training. For example, electricians, who generally must complete an apprenticeship, may find work in automotive plants as maintenance workers. And new apprenticeship programs are emerging for production workers in advanced manufacturing. Visit the U.S. Department of Labors apprenticeship program Web site, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries/advanced-manufacturing, for more information. Many apprenticeship programs partner with technical colleges to provide training opportunities. For precision metalworkers and machinists and other semiskilled automotive workers, the National Tooling and Machining Association operates training centers and apprentice programs and sets skill standards.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by the American Welding Society, National Tooling and Machining Association, SAE International, and other associations at the national and state levels. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Certification is available but not required for many of the positions in an automotive production plant. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers a variety of designations to welding professionals (such as certified welder, certified welding engineer, certified associate welding inspector, certified robotic arc welding, and certified welding inspector) to members who meet education and professional experience criteria as well as pass an examination. The AWS says that "earning a specialized welding certification can reward you with higher salary potential, stronger employment demand, and better job stability."

No prior experience is needed for many semiskilled and unskilled jobs, but those with prior work experience will increase their chances of landing a job, getting promoted, and possibly earning higher pay.

Working in an automotive production plant can be physically challenging. For many jobs, you need the physical capability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and maneuver hand tools and machinery. Of course, some jobs in an automotive production plant can be performed by a person with a physical disability. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may work well on an assembly line job that requires only the use of his or her hands. Automotive workers should have hand and finger dexterity and the ability to do repetitive work accurately and safely. Other important traits include strong time-management, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.