Chris Eastwood Automotive Ltd

Automotive Jobs To Watch For: December

With a new year on the horizon, no doubt many people will be looking to make a few key changes, whether that’s in their personal or professional life. If you are thinking of looking for new automotive jobs, you’ll be pleased to hear that many car manufacturers are looking to expand here in the UK at present so there are sure to be new opportunities for you come 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover, for example, has just confirmed that the company intends to focus on electric vehicles in the future, with boss Ralf Speth saying that he’s keen to manufacture the brand’s electric cars in the UK – which could see 10,000 new jobs created at the firm.

Jobseekers in the north-east of the country have also been given a boost, with plans now afoot for Nissan to build a major automotive manufacturing site in the region – known as the International Advanced Manufacturing Park. It’s thought that this particular site could see more than 5,200 advanced manufacturing jobs created.

And back in September, it was revealed that almost 3,000 engineering and manufacturing jobs will be created at a new business zone just outside Coventry in Whitley, thanks to Theresa May’s pledge to invest £35 million into the West Midlands car industry. According to Sky News, the Whitley South Infrastructure Project will see new growth opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain open up from next year. “Our world-class auto sector is leading the way and this new development will create thousands more skilled jobs. It shows how the private and public sector can work together to make a difference to the economy,” Greg Clark, business and energy secretary, said.

While the Brexit vote did create a lot of uncertainty in the UK automotive industry, it certainly seems as though it’s fighting back given the number jobs likely to be created over the coming years. In October, four months after the referendum, analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders found that British engine manufacturing was up by 6.3 per cent in September, with domestic demand driving production. Year-to-date output was seen to be strong, climbing 6.7 per cent, with 1.9 million engines rolling off production lines in the UK.

However, president of the German Automotive Industry Association Matthias Wissmann told the BBC last month (November) that uncertainty with regards to the government’s position on Brexit could harm investment in the UK. “We need, relatively soon, a clear answer … Will we have tariff and non-tariff barriers between Britain on the one hand and the European Union? … I hope that the British government … decides to go for the single market and not for any other regime which would need years to discuss and negotiate,” he said.

There is certainly much to be positive about regarding the automotive job market but with Brexit agreements yet to be made, there is also still a lot that’s up in the air at the moment. It’ll be interesting to see what the new year brings.

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